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Quality in Sport

The impact of physical activity during pregnancy on labour and postpartum period - review
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The impact of physical activity during pregnancy on labour and postpartum period - review

Authors

  • Aleksandra Pliszka Saint Adalbert Hospital in Gdańsk, aleja Jana Pawła II 50, 80-462 Gdańsk, Poland https://orcid.org/0009-0003-5938-5929
  • Katarzyna Michalak Szpital Morski im. PCK in Gdynia, Powstania Styczniowego 1, 81-519 Gdynia, Poland https://orcid.org/0009-0005-0856-1536
  • Weronika Jarych Szpital Morski im. PCK in Gdynia, Powstania Styczniowego 1, 81-519 Gdynia, Poland https://orcid.org/0009-0009-1335-8072
  • Krystian Zukierski Szpital Morski im. PCK in Gdynia, Powstania Styczniowego 1, 81-519 Gdynia, Poland https://orcid.org/0009-0008-1428-5744
  • Michał Mazur Saint Adalbert Hospital in Gdańsk, aleja Jana Pawła II 50, 80-462 Gdańsk, Poland https://orcid.org/0009-0007-8157-5293
  • Katarzyna Żak Saint Adalbert Hospital in Gdańsk, aleja Jana Pawła II 50, 80-462 Gdańsk, Poland https://orcid.org/0009-0006-4036-090X
  • Hubert Jucha Fundacja Zdrowie, Wilhelma Konrada Roentgena 23, 02-781 Warszawa, Poland https://orcid.org/0009-0002-0182-627X
  • Katarzyna Madyniak Medical University of Warsaw, Żwirki I Wigury 61, 02-091 Warszawa, Poland https://orcid.org/0009-0003-6927-3832
  • Agnieszka Kluz Wolski Hospital, Kasprzaka 17, 01-211 Warszawa, Poland https://orcid.org/0009-0006-7427-5818

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.12775/QS.2025.42.60610

Keywords

physical activity, labor and delivery complications, epidural analgesia, postnatal depresion

Abstract

Introduction and Aim: Physical activity significantly impacts quality of life and is recommended at all ages, including time of pregnancy. This study examines the effects of physical activity during pregnancy on the peripartum period, including the risk of labor complications, duration of labor and delivery, the necessity for epidural analgesia, and the incidence of postpartum depression.

Methods and Materials: A literature review was conducted using the PubMed, Cochrane Library, and Google Scholar databases. The search included studies published between 2010 and 2025. The search strategy focused on identifying studies describing the effects of physical activity during pregnancy on peripartum outcomes. Keywords used in the search included: "physical activity," "labor and delivery," "exercise," "labor complications," "postnatal depression," and "epidural analgesia."

Results and Conclusion: No clear effect of physical activity during pregnancy on the risk of labor complications or the duration of labor was identified. Physical exercise during pregnancy does not reduce the need for epidural analgesia or the risk of postpartum depression. However, regular physical activity during pregnancy decreases the risk of obesity, pregnancy-induced hypertension, and gestational diabetes. Moderate-intensity of the physical activity should be recommended to all pregnant individuals, provided there are no contraindications.

References

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Quality in Sport

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Published

2025-06-03

How to Cite

1.
PLISZKA , Aleksandra, MICHALAK , Katarzyna, JARYCH , Weronika, ZUKIERSKI, Krystian, MAZUR , Michał, ŻAK , Katarzyna, JUCHA , Hubert, MADYNIAK, Katarzyna and KLUZ, Agnieszka. The impact of physical activity during pregnancy on labour and postpartum period - review. Quality in Sport. Online. 3 June 2025. Vol. 42, p. 60610. [Accessed 16 July 2025]. DOI 10.12775/QS.2025.42.60610.
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Vol. 42 (2025)

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Copyright (c) 2025 Aleksandra Pliszka , Katarzyna Michalak , Weronika Jarych , Krystian Zukierski, Michał Mazur , Katarzyna Żak , Hubert Jucha , Katarzyna Madyniak, Agnieszka Kluz

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