Prenatal strength training may help reduce the risk of gestational diabetes

Various forms of physical exercise may help prevent diabetes during pregnancy (or gestational diabetes), but data are limited. In a randomized clinical trial published in Acta Obstetricia et Gynecologica Scandinavica including 209 pregnant women, participants who followed a strength training program from gestational weeks 12–14 until week 36 or delivery had lower rates of gestational diabetes.

The incidence of gestational diabetes was 0% in participants who adhered to the strength training program versus 7.3% in the control group, and no cases of large birth weight were recorded in these participants, compared with 6.3% in the control group.

The strength training group showed significant improvements in quality of life and reported lower frequency and impact of pregnancy symptoms. No differences were observed in adverse events, including preterm birth.

Our findings suggest that adherence to a structured strength training program during pregnancy may help reduce the risk of gestational diabetes while also improving maternal well-being. Further research is needed to confirm these findings and to determine how strength training can best be incorporated into routine prenatal care."

Teresa E. Santa Cruz, MD, corresponding author, Hospital Universitario Donostia, in San Sebastián, Spain