Scientists Talk About The Benefits Of Physical Activity In Early Pregnancy

Scientists talk about the benefits of physical activity in early pregnancy

Scientists have shown for the first time that moderate to vigorous physical activity early in pregnancy can help reduce inflammation in women and normalize immune responses. In their opinion, this should contribute to a healthy pregnancy.

Photo: Christine Cabalo /

Scientists have shown for the first time that moderate to vigorous physical activity early in pregnancy can help reduce inflammation in women and normalize immune responses. In their opinion, this should contribute to a healthy pregnancy. The authors published their findings in the Scandinavian Journal of Medicine and Science in Sports.

During pregnancy, the body undergoes changes in the endocrine and immune systems, which support the health of a woman while carrying a child. Violation of these mechanisms in the early stages of pregnancy can lead to complications from both the mother and the child.

New research is improving understanding of how pregnant women can better regulate and maintain health so that pregnancies run smoothly.

It was previously known that lifestyle changes, including increased physical activity, can help regulate immune and metabolic responses during pregnancy. But there is very little data on their benefits in early pregnancy. Moreover, this issue has never been studied with the participation of healthy women.

In a new study, scientists from the University of Granada analyzed the impact of physical activity levels on women in early pregnancy for the first time. They objectively measured how much time the study participants spent actively and how this affects markers of risk of complications during pregnancy.

The participation was attended by 50 healthy women aged 33 years. Scientists identified two groups of participants: the activity of which corresponds or does not correspond to the recommended level of physical activity of 150 minutes of medium or intense exercise. The authors of the work focused on the concentration of lipids, carbohydrates and inflammatory markers in the blood of women.

The researchers found that women who met the recommended levels of physical activity had lower levels of markers of inflammation in their blood. At the same time, exercise did not affect lipids and blood glucose levels.

The authors of the study concluded that physical activity normalizes the body's immune and metabolic responses in the early stages of pregnancy. Accordingly, it can promote a healthy and successful pregnancy.