exercise prescription during pregnancy

Question 1

metabolic adaptations to normal pregnancy

Answer 1

• increased insulin resistance
• decreased glucose availability
• increased resting VO2

Question 2

respiratory adaptations to normal pregnancy

Answer 2

• increased resting ventilation (+30-50%)
• decreased arterial CO2 (-15-20 Torr)
• decreased bicarbonate (-5mEq/L)
• increase in chemoreflex capability (HCVR +100%; HVR +100%)

Question 3

cardiovascular adaptations to normal pregnancy

Answer 3

• increased HR ( +20%)
• increased Blood volume (+50%)
• increased stroke volume (+20-30%)
• increased cardiac output (+30%)
• decreased vascular resistance (-20%)
• same or decrease in BP

Question 4

not all pregnancies progress smoothly

Answer 4

• 85% of women will become pregnant in their lifetime
• 20% of women will experience complications during pregnancy that impacts the future and current cardiovascular health