The effect of an exercise intervention on haemodynamic variables in pregnant women

Objective: This study evaluated the effect of exercise on heart rate (HR), systolic pressure (SBP), and diastolic pressure (DBP) at different gestational ages during pregnancy. Methods: The exercise intervention and control groups from a previous multi-intervention clinical trial were used. Ninety-two pregnant women were analysed [control group: n = 48; exercise group: n = 44]. The outcome variables were the percentage change in SBP, DBP, and HR during follow-up intervals (16–20 weeks, 20–24 weeks, 24–28 weeks, and 28–32 weeks).Results: resting HR showed a lower increase in the exercise group than in the control group during the interval of gestational weeks 16-20 (p=0.011) [Median Interquartile range: 8.8 (0 to 27.9) control group; 2.2 (-6.9 to 8.1) exercise group]. During this same interval SBP decreased in both control and exercise groups, with more decrease in the control group (P<0.05) [Median Interquartile range: -4.29 (-11.1 to 1.9) control group; -0.89 (-4.76 to 6.36)]. Conclusion: Aerobic exercise in pregnancy significantly attenuated increase of resting HR at the beginning of the second trimester of pregnancy.