The Role of Physical Activity in Pregnancy: Impact on Preeclampsia, Gestational Diabetes Mellitus, and Labor Outcomes

Paulina Woźniak; Ewa Wietrzykowska; Wiktoria Gajek-Flanczewska; Sebastian Flanczewski; Małgorzata Wirkijowska; Jakub Wirkijowski; Katarzyna Wójtowicz; Agata Walczak; Dominika Sobolewska; Katarzyna Michalczyk-Fraszka; Martyna Śliwińska; Anna Podraza

doi:10.12775/JEHS.2025.78.57591

Authors

Paulina Woźniak Central Clinical Hospital, Banacha 1A, 02-097 Warsaw, Poland https://orcid.org/0009-0006-9626-1062
Ewa Wietrzykowska Muncipal Polyclinical Hospital, Niepodległości 44, 10-045 Olsztyn https://orcid.org/0009-0009-5510-9007
Wiktoria Gajek-Flanczewska Central Clinical Hospital, Banacha 1A, 02-097 Warsaw, Poland https://orcid.org/0009-0004-8875-433X
Sebastian Flanczewski Central Clinical Hospital, Banacha 1A, 02-097 Warsaw, Poland https://orcid.org/0009-0006-8461-2806
Małgorzata Wirkijowska Formmed Center for Treatment of Congenital Defects and Malformations, ul. Warszawska https://orcid.org/0009-0003-5857-965X
Jakub Wirkijowski Independent Public Clinical Hospital of Prof. W. Orlowski, Czerniakowska 231, 00-401, Warsaw, Poland https://orcid.org/0009-0007-9882-9341
Katarzyna Wójtowicz Central Clinical Hospital, Banacha 1A, 02-097 Warsaw, Poland https://orcid.org/0009-0009-3914-7804
Agata Walczak National Medical Institute of the Ministry of the Interior and Administration, Wołoska 137, 02-507, Warsaw, Poland https://orcid.org/0009-0004-7023-634X
Dominika Sobolewska Muncipal Polyclinical Hospital, Niepodległości 44, 10-045 Olsztyn https://orcid.org/0009-0004-4048-3489
Katarzyna Michalczyk-Fraszka University Clinical Hospital, Aleja Warszawska 30, 11-041 Olsztyn https://orcid.org/0009-0006-5596-6517
Martyna Śliwińska Regional Center of Blood Donation and Blood Treatment, Saska 63/75, 03-948 Warsaw https://orcid.org/0009-0008-2757-5660
Anna Podraza Medical University of Warsaw, Żwirki i Wigury 61, 02-091 Warsaw https://orcid.org/0009-0008-4214-3882

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.12775/JEHS.2025.78.57591

Keywords

preeclampsia, gestational diabetes mellitus, labor outcomes, physical activity, exercise

Abstract

Physical activity (PA) is of crucial importance when aiming to maintain a healthy lifestyle. Pregnancy is a period in which many hormonal and physiological changes occur, sometimes leading to development of diseases such as gestational diabetes (GDM) and preeclampsia. In this systematic review the influence of regular PA both before and during gestation is investigated. The research gathered points towards the preventive nature of PA against GDM and preeclampsia, proving that regular exercise, especially of moderate and moderate-to-vigorous intensity, significantly reduces the risk of the development of both of these. Additionally, women with GDM treated with insulin who regularly participate in PA require a lower dosage compared to those leading sedentary lifestyles. On top of that, PA seems to have a beneficial influence on various labor outcomes, such as shortened active labor duration, lowered reported levels of pregnancy-related pain, improved psychological well-being, and increased chances of natural vaginal birth as opposed to cesarean section or instrumental birth.

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The Role of Physical Activity in Pregnancy: Impact on Preeclampsia, Gestational Diabetes Mellitus, and Labor Outcomes

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