Perinatal Exercise and Cardiovascular Disease Risk

Abstract

The purpose of this narrative review was to summarize perinatal exercise guidelines and associations of perinatal physical activity and/or exercise with cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk. Observational studies, randomized controlled trials, systematic reviews, and meta-analyses were included. Gaps in literature and suggestions for future studies were identified. Despite concordant international guidelines, data to support nuanced activity advice for some subgroups are limited. Perinatal physical activity and exercise are consistently recommended to combat traditional CVD risk factors during the perinatal period, like excessive gestational weight gain, high blood pressure, and high blood glucose. Physical activity and exercise appear to improve nontraditional risk factors such as poor sleep and depression. Data are emerging regarding associations with some pregnancy-specific factors, such as placental characteristics. Further research investigating associations with pregnancy-specific CVD risk factors and associations in the longer term, as well as data to support uptake, adherence, and resistance exercise prescription is warranted.