From the Guidelines
Pregnant patients with cervical incompetence can engage in light exercise, such as activities of daily living and potentially light upper-body resistance exercise, but should avoid moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) 1. When considering exercise for pregnant patients with cervical incompetence, it is essential to prioritize their safety and the safety of their fetus.
- The goal is to minimize the risk of preterm labor and other complications while still allowing for some physical activity to maintain overall health and well-being.
- According to the British Journal of Sports Medicine, women with cervical insufficiency should be advised to maintain activities of daily living and potentially complete light upper-body resistance exercise, but avoid MVPA 1.
- The exercise regimen should be individualized based on the severity of the condition, presence of a cervical cerclage, gestational age, and other risk factors.
- Patients with cervical incompetence should monitor for warning signs during exercise, including vaginal bleeding, increased pelvic pressure, contractions, fluid leakage, or decreased fetal movement, and stop exercising immediately if these occur.
- Regular communication with healthcare providers about exercise plans is essential, as recommendations may change throughout pregnancy.
- Gentle exercise can provide benefits like improved circulation, reduced discomfort, better sleep, and stress management, but safety must remain the priority for these high-risk pregnancies.
- The Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine recommends against the routine use of activity restriction in pregnant women at risk of preterm birth, including those with cervical incompetence 1.
From the Research
Cervical Incompetence and Exercise During Pregnancy
- There are no direct research papers provided that discuss the specific topic of exercise for pregnant patients with cervical incompetence.
- However, studies have investigated the management and treatment of cervical incompetence, including the use of cervical cerclage and bed rest 2, 3.
- Cervical cerclage has been shown to be effective in reducing preterm delivery and neonatal morbidity in women with cervical incompetence 2, 3, 4.
- Bed rest is often recommended in conjunction with cervical cerclage, but there is no clear evidence on the safety or efficacy of exercise during this time 3.
- The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) provides guidelines on the management of cervical insufficiency, including the use of cerclage, but does not specifically address exercise during pregnancy 5.
- Overall, while there is no direct evidence on exercise for pregnant patients with cervical incompetence, it is likely that healthcare providers would recommend avoiding strenuous activity and following a treatment plan that includes bed rest and cervical cerclage, if necessary 2, 3, 4, 5.