Fetal and Postnatal Growth and Development

Abstract

The influence of maternal exercise in utero suggests there are no adverse effects on fetal development, possibly even benefits. Based on the idea of prenatal programming, what effect does exposure to maternal exercise have after birth and into childhood and adulthood. Without controlling for many factors, it is difficult to determine the effect of exercise on birth weight. At various stages of childhood and into adulthood, there are no indications of obesity in offspring exposed to exercise in utero. Birth length and height into adulthood is not adversely affected regardless of whether women exercise while pregnant or not. Little has been done in relationship to organ development. Data on rodents show no adverse effects on gross development of organs in response to maternal exercise. In humans, maternal exercise is not associated with congenital abnormalities in offspring and may even help prevent them. Generally, maternal physical activity throughout gestation does not negatively impact growth and development in utero or after birth.