Pregnancy and exercise [Schwangerschaft und sport]

In daily obstetrical practice there is an increasing need on information about questions regarding lifestyle during pregnancy. The concern, discussion and knowledge however, exist since early times of medical history (e.g. Hippocrates 480 BC). The subject 'floats' between physiological changes caused by gestational alterations and needs on the one hand and - on the other hand - the effects of physical activities. Gestational alterations mainly exist on body adaptations such as increased arterial blood volume or increased venous blood flow towards the heart. On the other hand - (from the aspect of performance physiology - there exists an adaptation to acute onset of exercise correlating to its intensity and also resulting in cardiopulmonary, endocrinological and metabolic changes. Linking both these physiological alterations by 'exercise in pregnancy', one may expect positive effects as well as limitating results. With the knowledge and the experience on the subject growing, exercise during gestation may be used as an therapeutic a/o preventive measure such as aquatic exercise or such as regular physical activity as an adjunct therapy in insulin-dependant gestational diabetes (IDDM). Also during delivery exercise seems to be helpful in order to cope with labour pain. The paper presents practical consulting, indications for exercise as well as contraindications.