Editing Prenatal care (section)

== Exercise Intensity and Delivery Outcomes ==
Research suggests that physical activity levels during pregnancy can impact delivery outcomes.<ref>{{Cite journal |last1=Hinman |first1=Sally K. |last2=Smith |first2=Kristy B. |last3=Quillen |first3=David M. |last4=Smith |first4=M. Seth |date=November 2015 |title=Exercise in Pregnancy: A Clinical Review |journal=Sports Health: A Multidisciplinary Approach |language=en |volume=7 |issue=6 |pages=527–531 |doi=10.1177/1941738115599358 |issn=1941-7381 |pmc=4622376 |pmid=26502446}}</ref> A study examining the effects of exercise intensity on delivery type and risk of preterm birth found that varying levels of physical activity were linked to different pregnancy outcomes and associated risks.

Very low levels of physical activity are associated with an increased risk of both preterm and instrumental deliveries.<ref name=":1">{{Cite journal |last1=Takami |first1=Mio |last2=Tsuchida |first2=Akiko |last3=Takamori |first3=Ayako |last4=Aoki |first4=Shigeru |last5=Ito |first5=Mika |last6=Kigawa |first6=Mika |last7=Kawakami |first7=Chihiro |last8=Hirahara |first8=Fumiki |last9=Hamazaki |first9=Kei |last10=Inadera |first10=Hidekuni |last11=Ito |first11=Shuichi |last12=and the Japan Environment & Children's Study (JECS) Group |date=2018-10-29 |editor-last=Rosenfeld |editor-first=Cheryl S. |title=Effects of physical activity during pregnancy on preterm delivery and mode of delivery: The Japan Environment and Children's Study, birth cohort study |journal=PLOS ONE |language=en |volume=13 |issue=10 |pages=e0206160 |bibcode=2018PLoSO..1306160T |doi=10.1371/journal.pone.0206160 |issn=1932-6203 |pmc=6205641 |pmid=30372455 |doi-access=free}}</ref> Pregnant individuals with minimal activity may experience lower overall fitness and muscle tone, which can impact the body's ability to manage the physical demands of labor. Another study showed that individuals with higher handgrip strength are more likely to have a vaginal delivery, as greater muscle strength and endurance can support the labor process. In contrast, those who gained more weight during pregnancy or had larger arm and calf circumferences were more likely to undergo cesarean delivery, particularly in cases of nonprogressive labor.<ref>{{Cite journal |last1=ErtüRk çEli̇K |first1=GüLsemi̇N |last2=ErtüRk Aksakal |first2=Sezi̇N |last3=Engi̇N üStüN |first3=Yaprak |date=2024-10-18 |title=The impact of maternal muscle strength on cesarean delivery outcomes: a comparative study of nulliparous women |url=https://journals.tubitak.gov.tr/medical/vol54/iss5/6 |journal=Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences |language=en |volume=54 |issue=5 |pages=908–914 |doi=10.55730/1300-0144.5867 |issn=1300-0144 |pmc=11518347 |pmid=39473746}}</ref> Low levels of physical activity during pregnancy have been linked to a slightly elevated risk of cesarean delivery.<ref name=":1" /> Regular moderate exercise may help enhance pelvic muscle tone and cardiovascular fitness, potentially reducing the likelihood of cesarean intervention by supporting the body's endurance during labor.

For individuals seeking to engage in levels of vigorous or high-intensity physical activity, one study did observe a slight increase in instrumental delivery, which involves the use of medical tools like forceps or vacuum devices.<ref name=":1" /> More intense physical activity may add extra demands on the body, potentially affecting labor progression and increasing the need for instrumental assistance. <ref name=":1" /> Pregnant individuals need to consult with their healthcare provider before beginning or adjusting exercise routines, particularly if they are new to regular physical activity or have any health conditions that may affect pregnancy by adding additional stress to the body.<ref name=":1" />