Question

According for FITT recommendations for women who are pregnant, what is the intensity for aerobic activity?

Select one or more:

a. Moderate intensity (3-5.9 METS; RPE 12-13); Vigorous intensity (>6 METs' RPE 14-17)

b. Intensity that permits multiple submax repetitions (8-10 or 12-15) to be preformed to a point of moderate fatigue  

c. A variety of weight and non-weight bearing activities are well tolerated

Answer 1

All the activties in the question can be performed.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the American College of Sports Medicine (CDC-ACSM) have recommended the accumulation of 30 minutes or more of moderate intensity physical activity on most, and preferably all, days of the week. Moderate intensity physical activity is defined as activity with an energy requirement of 3–5 metabolic equivalents (METS). For most healthy adults, this is equivalent to brisk walking at 3–4 mph. The CDC-ACSM statement also recognises that more intense exercise performed in 20–60 minute sessions on three to five days a week will result in higher levels of physical fitness.

The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) as well as the US Department of Health and Human Services encourage the participation of exercise during pregnancy. Similar to the general population, ACOG recommends at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity for healthy pregnant women, and agree that the benefits of exercise at this time greatly outweigh the risks. Helping our clients to establish healthy habits and routines may continue to benefit them long after baby is born.

The acute physiological responses to exercise (heart rate, cardiac output, stroke volume, etc.) are increased during pregnancy. If a woman does not have any medical contraindications, it is appropriate to monitor exercise intensity using the rate of perceived exertion. According to ACOG, Minute ventilation increases up to 50 percent, primarily as a result of the increased tidal volume. This makes it harder for pregnant women to reach an anaerobic threshold with less available oxygen. Aerobic training in pregnancy has been shown to increase aerobic capacity in normal weight and overweight pregnant women.

ACOG recommends at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity for healthy pregnant women. In addition to respiratory changes, circulation and blood pressure also may respond by decreasing, in order to sustain mom and baby from a circulatory standpoint during pregnancy. This is why it is recommended that pregnant women avoid or modify any supine positions after week 16 of pregnancy. Also, the baby’s weight in this position can decrease venous return as well as cardiac output, resulting in hypotension.