Advances in Physical Exercise during Pregnancy

HAN Lu-yang; CHEN Dan-qing

Abstract：Exercise has been proven to be beneficial in improving the quality of life as well as pregnancy outcomes by decreasing lower back pain, controlling urinary incontinence, relieving anxiety, reducing the incidence of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM), and bringing benefit to the fetal health and upon birth, the ability of learning and memory of the child as well. Pregnant women should be encouraged to perform combined (aerobic and resistance) exercise to control blood glucose, enhance cardiorespiratory functions and keep in shape. However, it is especially important for obstetricians and pregnant women to consider the physiological changes during pregnancy and understand the proper technique when prescribing pregnancy exercise. The author intends to conduct a review on the pregnancy exercise about type, frequency, duration, intensity and precautions. In order to provide safe and appropriate guidelines pertaining to exercise for pregnant woman.