Influence of Exercise Mode on Maternal, Fetal, and Neonatal Health Outcomes

Research has demonstrated aerobic exercise is safe and beneficial for mother, fetus, and neonate. Unlike aerobic exercise, little research has focused on the effects of resistance training during pregnancy. Preliminary studies have shown that acute resistance training is safe for pregnant women. It has been found to be effective in increasing lean body mass in pregnant woman. Research studying chronic resistance training during pregnancy has focused on delivery outcome rather than examining the chronic health effects or adaptations of resistance training exposure for the expectant mother. Additionally, scarce research has been done to examine the effects of acute maternal resistance training on the fetus, except to conclude that the fetus is not at an increased risk of distress during maternal resistance exercises.