Impact of maternal physical activity on fetal breathing and body movement—A review. (March 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Sussman, Dafna; Lye, Stephen J.; Wells, Greg D.
• Is Part Of: Early human development. Volume 94(2016)
• Page Start: 53
• Page End: 56
• Publication Date: 2016-03
• Subjects: Exercise -- Fetal activity -- Fetal breathing -- Fetal body movement -- Autonomic nervous system; Fetus -- Periodicals; Neonatology -- Periodicals; Prenatal influences -- Periodicals; 612.65
• DOI: 10.1016/j.earlhumdev.2016.01.006
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0378-3782

Abstract

Abstract: Fetal movements, which include body and breathing movement, are important indicators of fetal well-being and nervous system development. These have been shown to be affected by intrauterine conditions. While maternal physical activity does induce a change in intrauterine conditions and physiology, its impact on fetal movements is still unclear. This paper will provide a brief review of the literature and outline the current knowledge with regards to the effects of maternal exercise on fetal body and breathing movements.