Exercise in Pregnancy: Effect on Fitness and Obstetric Outcomes-A Randomized Trial.

The article reports on research which was conducted to assess the benefits and possible risks of aerobic exercise during pregnancy using a fitness regimen based on the 2002 American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists guidelines for exercise during pregnancy. Researchers evaluated 62 pregnant women who either remained sedentary or performed moderate aerobic exercise for 45-60 minutes four days per-week through 36 weeks of gestation. They found that previously sedentary women who began exercising at 12-14 weeks of pregnancy had improved fitness and delivery outcomes.