Source-nichd.nih_.gov
Exercise During Pregnancy Linked to Lower Asthma Risk
A new study conducted by the University of Eastern Finland (UEF), Kuopio University Hospital (KUH), and the Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare (THL) has found that regular exercise during pregnancy can significantly reduce the risk of asthma in children. The research showed that mothers who exercised at least three times a week during pregnancy had children with nearly half the risk of developing asthma compared to less active mothers. The study analyzed data from approximately 1,000 mother-child pairs, followed by pregnancy until the child turned seven years old, as part of the Kuopio Birth Cohort (KuBiCo) study.
This study adds to growing evidence that maternal exercise during pregnancy has substantial health benefits for both mother and child. Earlier research also highlighted how exercise can strengthen newborn lung function. Interestingly, the link between exercise and reduced asthma risk remained significant even after accounting for other maternal health, lifestyle, and environmental factors, such as weight, stress, and family habits.
Exercise Supports Fetal Lung Development
Lead researcher Musakka emphasized the importance of maternal exercise on fetal health, noting that physical activity during pregnancy supports fetal breathing movements, which in turn promotes lung development. “Although the exact mechanisms are not fully understood, maternal exercise appears to support fetal lung maturation, which may explain the reduced risk of asthma in children,” Musakka explained.
Asthma, the most common chronic illness in children, has been primarily prevented by avoiding cigarette smoke exposure during pregnancy. However, Dr. Pirkka Kirjavainen, another lead researcher in the study, pointed out that maternal exercise could offer a similarly effective way to prevent asthma, as impactful as if a parent quit smoking. These findings open up new possibilities for preventing asthma in children through lifestyle changes during pregnancy.
Moderate Exercise Recommended for Pregnant Women
Interestingly, the study did not find that exercising more than three times a week further lowered the asthma risk in children. This suggests that moderate exercise is sufficient to provide health benefits. The World Health Organization (WHO) currently recommends that pregnant women engage in at least 2.5 hours of moderate exercise per week, which aligns with the findings of this study.
Dr. Kirjavainen called the results promising for asthma prevention, noting that they provide a strong incentive for expecting mothers to prioritize physical activity. “By engaging in reasonable amounts of exercise, mothers can significantly improve not only their health but also the future health of their children,” he said.
The full study has been published in the scientific journal MED, offering new insights into how maternal exercise can play a crucial role in reducing the incidence of childhood asthma.