Faculty Sponsor

Jana Stedman

College

College of Nursing & Health Professions (CONHP)

Department/Program

Physician Assistant Program

Presentation Type

Poster Presentation

Symposium Date

Summer 7-22-2026

Abstract

Objective: To evaluate the effects of prenatal exercise among pregnant individuals on pregnancy complications and to determine whether exercise modality influences pregnancy outcomes.

Methods: A narrative literature review was conducted using Research Rabbit and PubMed to identify studies examining exercise during pregnancy and associated maternal and fetal outcomes. Eligible studies included English-language, full-text, peer-reviewed articles and systematic reviews published after 2020 involving healthy pregnant patients, with pregnancy outcomes as the primary outcome measure. Studies without measurable outcomes or involving pre-existing comorbidities were excluded.

Results: Prenatal exercise was consistently found to be safe and associated with improved maternal outcomes. Four studies reported that exercise significantly reduced the risk of GDM, particularly when initiated during the first trimester and performed at a sufficient weekly volume. No exercise modality was superior, suggesting regular participation is most important. Evidence regarding hypertensive disorders in pregnancy was mixed, with one review demonstrating significant reductions in hypertensive disorders and preeclampsia, while another found no effect but suggested potential benefits of low-intensity and mind-body exercise. Pilates was shown to reduce labor pain and duration, without negatively affecting delivery outcomes.

Conclusion: Current evidence supports regular prenatal exercise as a safe and effective strategy for reducing the risk of GDM and improving labor outcomes. As no single exercise modality was shown to be superior, pregnant individuals should be encouraged to participate in the form of exercise they are most likely to enjoy and maintain throughout pregnancy.

Keywords: prenatal exercise; gestational diabetes mellitus; preeclampsia; labor pain; labor duration; pregnancy outcomes

Biographical Information about Author(s)

Nadhia Manthuruthil has an anticipated graduation date of July 2026 from the Valparaiso University Physician Assistant Program. Her favorite clinical rotation was family medicine, where she enjoyed educating patients and participating in their ongoing care. She plans to pursue a career in family medicine after graduation. Nadhia was inspired to research “The Influence of Prenatal Exercise on Pregnancy Outcomes” because of her passion for women’s health and her desire to provide future patients with evidence-based guidance.

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