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Quality in Sport

Effects of intense exercise on pregnancy - a review of the literature
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Effects of intense exercise on pregnancy - a review of the literature

Authors

  • Weronika Kmiotek Medical university in Lublin https://orcid.org/0009-0009-7699-0585
  • Radosław Oronowicz Regional Hospital named after Dr. H. Jankowski, 16 Szpitalna Street, 37-200 Przeworsk https://orcid.org/0009-0008-8784-3858
  • Gabriela Różańska-Smuszkiewicz Clinical Regional Hospital No. 2 named after St. Hedwig of Anjou in Rzeszów Lwowska Street 60, 35-301 Rzeszów https://orcid.org/0009-0005-3857-8830
  • Paweł Smuszkiewicz-Różański Health Care Centre in Strzyżów, 700th Anniversary Street 1, 38-100 Strzyżów https://orcid.org/0009-0009-3178-2029
  • Aleksandra Karuś University of Rzeszów, St. Tadeusza Rejtana 16C, 35-310 Rzeszów https://orcid.org/0009-0007-9478-7674
  • Grzegorz Jama Clinical Regional Hospital No. 2 named after St. Hedwig of Anjou in Rzeszów Lwowska Street 60, 35-301 Rzeszów https://orcid.org/0009-0004-8108-5428
  • Paweł Staszczak SPZOZ University Clinical Hospital No. 1 named after Norbert Barlicki in Łódź. dr. Stefana Kopcińskiego 22, 90-153 Łódź https://orcid.org/0009-0005-8324-9956
  • Barbara Jaworska Independent Health Care Center of the Ministry of Interior and Administration in Lublin Grenadierów Street 3, 20-331 Lublin https://orcid.org/0009-0000-9155-5084
  • Dagmara Ragan T. Marciniak Lower Silesian Specialist Hospital - Emergency Medicine Centre General August Emil Fieldorf Street 2, 54-049 Wrocław https://orcid.org/0009-0002-2423-0698

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.12775/QS.2024.17.53018

Keywords

strength training during pregnancy, pregnancy course, intensive exercise, activity during pregnancy, exercise for women, physical activity guidelines, pregnancy

Abstract

Introduction and Purpose: We are increasingly seeing new trends on social media regarding intense strength training in pregnant women. How much should women in a physiological pregnancy exercise? The aim of this piece is to trace the guidelines and set a healthy limit for such an important aspect during pregnancy.

Materials and methods: A literature search was conducted using the medical databases PubMed and Google Scholar. Articles were retrieved in English, employing the key words: “strength training”, “activity during pregnancy”, „intensive exercise” and „ physical activity guidelines” appropriate configurations.

Conclusions: The available guidelines and medical literature show that it is worthwhile to regularly practise sport both during and in preparation for pregnancy. In a healthy, physiological pregnancy, there is a wide range of activities to choose from, through which health benefits can be achieved, such as strengthening muscles, improving performance, alleviating pregnancy complaints (constipation, pain, nausea) and improving wellbeing, and much more. However, there are contraindications to certain exercises for specific conditions during pregnancy. You should consult your doctor on a case-by-case basis.

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Published

2024-07-24

How to Cite

1.
KMIOTEK, Weronika, ORONOWICZ, Radosław, RÓŻAŃSKA-SMUSZKIEWICZ, Gabriela, SMUSZKIEWICZ-RÓŻAŃSKI, Paweł, KARUŚ, Aleksandra, JAMA, Grzegorz, STASZCZAK, Paweł, JAWORSKA, Barbara and RAGAN, Dagmara. Effects of intense exercise on pregnancy - a review of the literature. Quality in Sport. Online. 24 July 2024. Vol. 17, p. 53018. [Accessed 13 June 2025]. DOI 10.12775/QS.2024.17.53018.
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Vol. 17 (2024)

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Medical Sciences

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Copyright (c) 2024 Weronika Kmiotek, Radosław Oronowicz, Gabriela Różańska-Smuszkiewicz, Paweł Smuszkiewicz-Różański, Aleksandra Karuś, Grzegorz Jama, Paweł Staszczak, Barbara Jaworska, Dagmara Ragan

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