The Effects of a Combined Exercise Program Aerobic and Resistance on Morphological Characteristics and Body Composition Before, During and After Pregnancy

Abstract

Weight gain is one of the most important changes that occur during pregnancy due to both maternal and fetal adaptations. In the majority of pregnant women, weight gain exceeds the recommended guidelines, compromising maternal and fetal health. Exercise during pregnancy is an effective intervention to prevent excessive weight gain. The purpose of the present study was to investigate the effect of a combined exercise program (resistance training and aerobic) on body composition before, during and after pregnancy in young pregnant women. Fifty-six women aged 30.8 ± 4.3 years, who intended to become pregnant, voluntarily participated in the study. Of these, 16 conceived within three months and were included in the study. One of them was excluded due to obstetric complications. During the 20th week of pregnancy, each participant was assigned into an exercise intervention group (systematic supervised exercise) (n=8) and control group (standard care) (n=7). During the 20th to 32nd week of gestation, the intervention group increased body weight by 6.2%. When pre-pregnancy baseline weight was compared to three months postpartum weight, the increase was 1.92%. Body weight of the control group increased 9.2% (p<0,05) and 5.6% (p<0,05), respectively. During the 20th to 32nd week of gestation, the intervention group reduced body fat percentage by 20.5%. When pre-pregnancy baseline body fat percentage was compared to three months postpartum body fat percentage the increase was 5.5%. Body fat percentage of the control group increased 14.2% (p<0,05) and 18.8% (p<0,05) respectively. Finally, during the 20th to 32nd week of gestation, the intervention group increased sum of skinfold thickness by 2.89%. When pre-pregnancy baseline sum of skinfold thickness was compared to three months postpartum sum of skinfold thickness, the increase was 8.8%. Sum of skinfold thickness of the control group was 20.5% (p<0,05 vs. intervention group) and 32.8% (p<0,05) respectively. Between the two groups there was no statistically significant difference regarding the week of gestation at delivery, the type of delivery and the Apgar Score of the newborns (p>0,05). Also, none of the pregnant women experienced complications during the intervention. In conclusion, systematic and supervised exercise has a positive effect on body composition during pregnancy. Exercise counseling without supervision has also a positive effect but to a lesser extent