Effects of exercise on foetus

Question 1

What happens to the flow of blood to the placenta and the uterus during exercise?

Answer 1

Placenta remains unchanged and uterus is reduced.

Question 2

What increases to compensate for slight reduction in foetal oxygen supply?

Answer 2

Placental a-vo2 difference

Question 3

How much can the Foetal HR increase by during exercise?

Answer 3

+10-30 beats

Question 4

Why may there be an increase in foetal HR?

Answer 4

Due to circulating maternal catecholamines

Question 5

When may there be foetal bradycardia?

Answer 5

During long duration exercise as a response to hypoxia.

Question 6

How much higher is foetal temperature compared to maternal?

Answer 6

5 degrees (f)

Question 7

What happens in order for there to be no foetal hyperthermia or damage during exercise?

Answer 7

Increase sweating, enhanced peripheral vasodilation helps cool mothers core temperature

Question 8

What happens to the baby when mothers perform high volume of exercise in mid to late pregnancy?

Answer 8

Thinner and lighter babies (200-400g less)