Asia-Pacific consensus on physical activity and exercise in pregnancy and the postpartum period. Issue 2 (17th May 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Lee, Ryan; Thain, Serene; Tan, Lay Kok; Teo, Terry; Tan, Kok Hian
• Other Names: author non-byline.; Dhaliwal Satvinder Singh author non-byline.; Zhou Zongjie author non-byline.; Boricha Yash Bhanji author non-byline.; Kristanto Herman author non-byline.; Kuma Krishna author non-byline.; Myint Swe Swe author non-byline.; Tan Kok Hian author non-byline.; Tan Tony author non-byline.; Tan Lay Kok author non-byline.; Lim Ivy author non-byline.; Thain Serene author non-byline.; Lee Ryan author non-byline.; Siraj Shahul HM author non-byline.; Dias Tiran author non-byline.; Boriboonhirunsarn Dittakarn author non-byline.; Huong Tran TL author non-byline.; Thangaratinam Shakila author non-byline.
• Is Part Of: BMJ open sport & exercise medicine. Volume 7:Issue 2(2021)
• Publication Date: 2021-05-17
• Subjects: physical activity -- exercise -- pregnancy -- mental -- obesity; Sports medicine -- Periodicals; Exercise therapy -- Periodicals; 617.102705
• DOI: 10.1136/bmjsem-2020-000967
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2055-7647

Abstract

Abstract : Physical activity and exercise in pregnancy are generally beneficial and enhance the physical and mental health of women. These benefits also prevent excessive weight gain and reduce risks of obesity in pregnancy, such as gestational diabetes, hypertensive disorders, higher rates of caesarean delivery, macrosomia and stillbirth. Thus, there is a need to optimise perinatal exercise and physical activity globally. There is currently no consensus recommendation on the role of physical activity and exercise in pregnancy and the postpartum period in the Asia-Pacific region. In this paper, we present seven key consensus recommendations on physical activity and exercise in pregnancy and the postpartum period by 18 key members representing 10 countries in Asia-Pacific regions during an international workshop of the Asia Diabetes in Pregnancy Conference in Singapore on 11–12 January 2020. Through these consensus recommendations, we hope to improve the metabolic health of pregnant women living in Asia-Pacific regions by educating the public and guiding healthcare professionals on the safety and importance of physical exercise and activity to benefit pregnant women and after childbirth.