Exercise During Pregnancy “May Increase Baby’s Lungs”: Regular Workouts for Pregnant Mothers Help Newborns Avoid Asthma, According to Research
- The study found that children of women who exercised little during pregnancy were twice as likely to have poor lung function.
- Experts said the findings showed the importance of mothers staying fit
- Exercise helps newborns develop stronger lungs and prevent atma
Do exercise regularly during pregnancy helps newborns develop stronger lungs and prevent asthma, research shows.
The scientists asked more than 800 women how active they were during pregnancy and tested the lung function of their babies at three months.
The study, conducted by researchers at the University of Oslo, found that children of women who exercised little were twice as likely to have poor lung function.
Experts said the findings showed the importance of mothers staying fit, both for their own health and for their child.
Exercising regularly during pregnancy helps newborns develop stronger lungs and prevent asthma, according to research (file image)
The lung function of infants was assessed by measuring normal breathing in awake, calm babies. This was done by keeping a face mask over the nose and mouth and recording the flow and volume of air breathed in and out.
About 8.6% of babies born to inactive mothers had lower lung function, compared with only 4.2% of babies born to active mothers.
The main author, Dra. Hrefna Katrin Gudmundsdottir said: “Previous studies have shown that individuals with low lung function in childhood have a higher risk of asthma, other obstructive lung diseases and lower lung function in life.
“If being physically active during pregnancy could reduce the risk of impaired infant lung function, it would be a simple and inexpensive way to improve the offspring’s respiratory health.”
The study, conducted by researchers at the University of Oslo, found that children of women who exercised little were twice as likely to have poor lung function.
Professor Jonathan Grigg, head of pediatric respiratory and environmental medicine at Queen Mary University in London, said: “We already know a lot about the importance for expectant mothers to stay fit and physically active, but much less is known about the impact of this on their babies.
“This study offers a fascinating suggestion that increased physical activity in mothers is associated with better lung function in their babies.” The conclusions of the study were presented at the International Congress of the European Breathing Society.
The NHS urges expectant mothers to maintain their daily physical activity and exercise for as long as they feel comfortable.