I think this is worth looking at -- the following study was published in The International Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology; but first some background information on the primary source:
Description
The International Journal of Gynecology & Obstetrics publishes articles on all aspects of basic and clinical research in the fields of obstetrics and gynecology and related subjects, with emphasis on matters of worldwide interest.
Features:
Editorials; Articles; Case Reports; Brief Communications; International Calendar; SOGC Clinical Practice Guidelines; Review Articles; Contemporary Issues in Women's Health; Averting Maternal Death and Disibility. New: Surgery and Technology.
The IJGO is the official publication of the International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics (FIGO).
Here is the abstract:
Leisure time physical exercise during pregnancy and the risk of miscarriage: a study within the Danish National Birth Cohort
M Madsen,aa Department of Child Health, National Institute of Public Health, Copenhagen K, Denmark T Jørgensen,aa Department of Child Health, National Institute of Public Health, Copenhagen K, Denmark ML Jensen,aa Department of Child Health, National Institute of Public Health, Copenhagen K, Denmark M Juhl,aa Department of Child Health, National Institute of Public Health, Copenhagen K, Denmark J Olsen,bb Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, UCLA, Los Angeles, CA, USA PK Andersen,cc Department of Biostatistics, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen K, Denmark A-M Nybo Andersenaa Department of Child Health, National Institute of Public Health, Copenhagen K, DenmarkDr A-M Nybo Andersen, National Institute of Public Health, Øster Farimagsgade 5A 2, DK-1399 Copenhagen K, Denmark. Email ana@niph.dka Department of Child Health, National Institute of Public Health, Copenhagen K, Denmark b Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, UCLA, Los Angeles, CA, USA c Department of Biostatistics, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen K, Denmark
Dr A-M Nybo Andersen, National Institute of Public Health, Øster Farimagsgade 5A 2, DK-1399 Copenhagen K, Denmark. Email ana@niph.dk
Re-use of this article is permitted in accordance with the Creative Commons Deed, Attribution 2.5, which does not permit commercial exploitation.
Abstract
Objective To examine the association between leisure time physical exercise during pregnancy and the risk of miscarriage.
Design Prospective study with elements of retrospective data collection.
Setting Denmark 1996–2002.
Population A total of 92 671 pregnant women enrolled in the Danish National Birth Cohort and interviewed subsequently.
Methods Data on exercise during pregnancy and potential confounders were obtained through computer-assisted telephone interviews either during pregnancy or after an early miscarriage. Outcome of pregnancy was identified by register linkage. Using Cox regression analysis, we estimated the hazard ratio (HR) of miscarriage according to weekly amount of exercise and the type of exercise. The HR was estimated for <11, 11–14, 15–18, and 19–22 weeks of gestation, respectively.
Main outcome measures Miscarriage, defined as fetal loss before 22 completed weeks of gestation.
Results A stepwise increasing relation was found between amount of exercise and risk of miscarriage, where risk of miscarriage increased by amount of exercise up to HR = 3.7 (95% CI 2.9–4.7) for women who exercised more than 7 hours per week compared with nonexercisers. Particularly ‘high-impact exercise’ was associated with an increased risk of miscarriage. No association was seen between exercise and risk of miscarriage after 18 weeks of gestation.
Conclusions This study suggests that exercise early in pregnancy is associated with an increased risk of miscarriage. The results should, however, be interpreted cautiously as potential bias arising from retrospective data collection may explain part of the association.
So it seems "'high-impact exercise’ was associated with an increased risk of miscarriage." I can't really see how brisk walking (or even "power walking") could be dangerous. Does anyone think otherwise?
Another topic somewhat related may be: supplements/diet in pregnancy (renamed).
Have a great weekend.
Take care.
