Additionally, larger-than-average newborn size declined and quality of life improved in women compliant with the exercise program
WEDNESDAY, Aug. 26, 2026 (HealthDay News) — Strength training during pregnancy may improve some outcomes for women with overweight or obesity, according to a study published online Aug. 19 in Acta Obstetricia et Gynecologica Scandinavica.
Teresa E. Santa Cruz, M.D., from Hospital Universitario de Donostia in Spain, and colleagues evaluated the effect of a strength training program in pregnant women with overweight or obesity on the incidence of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) and other obstetric and quality-of-life outcomes. The analysis included 209 women randomly assigned to either strength training (from gestational weeks 12 to 14 until week 36 or delivery), combining supervised and home-based sessions, or usual care.
The researchers found that 48 percent of participants in the intervention group achieved the adherence target of two or more sessions per week. The intervention group had a trend toward lower incidence rates of gestational diabetes and hydramnios (absolute risk differences, −5.3 percent [95 percent confidence interval (CI), −12.5 to 0.5; P = 0.07] and −4.5 percent [95 percent CI, −11.0 to 2.0; P = 0.05], respectively). There were no significant differences in fetal macrosomia. In the adherent intervention group, the incidence of GDM was 0 percent versus 7.3 percent in the control group (risk difference, −7.3; 95 percent CI, −14.3, to 3.0; P = 0.09). No cases of macrosomia were seen in the adherent intervention group versus 6.3 percent in the control group (difference −6.3; 95 percent CI, −13.1 to 4.5; P = 0.1). Additionally, there were significant improvements in quality of life in the intervention group (mean difference, 8.4; 95 percent CI, 4.9 to 11.9; P < 0.001), as well as lower frequency and impact of pregnancy symptoms. Adverse events, including preterm birth, were similar between the groups.
“Our findings suggest that adherence to a structured strength training program during pregnancy may help reduce the risk of gestational diabetes while also improving maternal well-being,” Santa Cruz said in a statement. “Further research is needed to confirm these findings and to determine how strength training can best be incorporated into routine prenatal care.”
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