Jade M Kubler1, Vicki L Clifton1, Trine Moholdt2, Kassia S Beetham3. 1. Mater Research Institute, University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia. 2. Department of Circulation and Medical Imaging, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Trondheim, Norway; Women's Clinic, St. Olavs University Hospital, Trondheim, Norway. 3. School of Behavioural and Health Sciences, Australian Catholic University, Brisbane, Australia. Electronic address: kassia.beetham@acu.edu.au.
Abstract
INTRODUCTION: Morphological changes to the placenta occur as the demands of the foetus increase throughout gestation. Physical activity during pregnancy is known to benefit both the mother and infant, however the impact of antenatal exercise training on placental development is less known. The aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to investigate the effects of exercise training during pregnancy on measures of placental composition. METHODS: Six electronic databases were searched from inception to June 2021 for studies comparing regular antenatal exercise with either usual maternal care or no exercise for its effect on measures of placental morphological composition. Meta-analyses were performed for placental weight and the placental weight to birthweight (PWBW) ratio. RESULTS: Seven randomised controlled trials and two cohort studies were included in the systematic review and meta-analysis (n = 9). There was no significant difference in placental weight (mean difference (MD) = -9.07g, p = 0.42) or the PWBW ratio (MD = 0.00, p = 0.32) between exercise and control groups. Parenchymal tissue volume was higher, represented by an increase in villous tissue, and non-parenchymal volume was lower in women who exercised regularly compared to those that were not exercising during pregnancy. DISCUSSION: Exercise training during pregnancy may not alter placental weight or the PWBW ratio. However, findings from this review indicate that antenatal exercise training can promote advantageous morphological changes to placental tissues.
INTRODUCTION: Morphological changes to the placenta occur as the demands of the foetus increase throughout gestation. Physical activity during pregnancy is known to benefit both the mother and infant, however the impact of antenatal exercise training on placental development is less known. The aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to investigate the effects of exercise training during pregnancy on measures of placental composition. METHODS: Six electronic databases were searched from inception to June 2021 for studies comparing regular antenatal exercise with either usual maternal care or no exercise for its effect on measures of placental morphological composition. Meta-analyses were performed for placental weight and the placental weight to birthweight (PWBW) ratio. RESULTS: Seven randomised controlled trials and two cohort studies were included in the systematic review and meta-analysis (n = 9). There was no significant difference in placental weight (mean difference (MD) = -9.07g, p = 0.42) or the PWBW ratio (MD = 0.00, p = 0.32) between exercise and control groups. Parenchymal tissue volume was higher, represented by an increase in villous tissue, and non-parenchymal volume was lower in women who exercised regularly compared to those that were not exercising during pregnancy. DISCUSSION: Exercise training during pregnancy may not alter placental weight or the PWBW ratio. However, findings from this review indicate that antenatal exercise training can promote advantageous morphological changes to placental tissues.
Authors: Signe de Place Knudsen; Saud Abdulaziz Alomairah; Caroline Borup Roland; Anne Dsane Jessen; Ida-Marie Hergel; Tine D Clausen; Jakob Eg Larsen; Gerrit van Hall; Andreas Kryger Jensen; Stig Molsted; Jane M Bendix; Ellen Løkkegaard; Bente Stallknecht Journal: J Med Internet Res Date: 2022-07-20 Impact factor: 7.076