New Research Confirms Resistance Training During Pregnancy Has Significant Benefits

Authors of a brand-new meta-analysis published in the British Journal of Sports Medicine provided the most updated understanding of the efficacy of resistance training during pregnancy. The researchers analyzed over 50 studies and nearly 50,000 participants.

The authors concluded:

“Resistance training, alone or as part of a multicomponent intervention, has significant health benefits during pregnancy.” Specifically, resistance training reduced the odds of gestational hypertension, gestational diabetes, perinatal mood disorders, and macrosomia (high birth weight).

Another study published this year in the same journal sought to understand the role of strength training intensity on both mother and fetus. The researchers concluded, “High-intensity resistance exercise with and without Valsalva (holding one’s breath), in both the supine and standing positions, was well tolerated by both mother and fetus.”

Take-home message: Strength training at a high level of intensity is safe and promotes healthy maternal and fetal outcomes.