Miscarriage is loss of a pregnancy during the first 20 weeks of gestation.  About 25% of women experience one at some point and about 15 or 20% of all pregnancies result in miscarriage.  It is usually thought of as a genetically abnormal fetus that occurs due to chance.  But, it is understandable that women often wonder if they have done something that could have caused the problem and often bear a significant burden of guilt and worry that they may have been the reason for the loss of their baby. 

Information from a Danish study, in which they interviewed 92,000 women, suggests that vigorous exercise during the first trimester greatly increases the risk of miscarriage.  Their study reported that women who exercised vigorously during the early weeks of pregnancy, especially those who participated in "high impact" activities such as jogging, were 3.7 times more likely to have a miscarriage.  They noted that women who swam were not at all at increased risk.  These risks disappeared completely, though, after the 18th week.

Does this study suggest that pregnant women should stop all exercise activity and become couch potatoes throughout their pregnancy?  No, but it does suggest that you should discuss your own exercise program with your doctor and consider whether the activities should be modified to less vigorous or lower impact exercise. 

I believe it does make sense that jogging and similar activities could jar the delicate, newly-forming embryo and result in loss of it.   But, up til now, we have had no scientific data on which to base a recommendation.  Now, it makes more sense than ever to advise pregnant women to modify their activities during the first trimester.  Daily walks, swimming, and use of exercise bikes, stairmasters, and elliptical trainers are all probably safe when used in moderation; but, to be on the safe side, I suggest giving running a rest.

As always, your comments are welcome...

Labels: healthy, human growth hormone, miscarriage, pregnancy, problems