2019 Canadian guideline for physical activity throughout pregnancy

Michelle F Mottola, Margie H Davenport, Stephanie-May Ruchat,
Gregory A Davies, Veronica J Poitras, Casey E Gray, Alejandra Jaramillo Garcia,
Nick Barrowman, Kristi B Adamo, Mary Duggan, Ruben Barakat, Phil Chilibeck,
Karen Fleming, Milena Forte, Jillian Korolnek, Taniya Nagpal, Linda G Slater,
Deanna Stirling, Lori Zehr

Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology Canada. 2018;40(11):1549–1559

Abstract
The objective is to provide guidance for pregnant
women and obstetric care and exercise professionals
on prenatal physical activity. The outcomes evaluated
were maternal, fetal or neonatal morbidity, or fetal
mortality during and following pregnancy. Literature
was retrieved through searches of MEDLINE, EMBASE,
PsycINFO, Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews,
Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, Scopus
and Web of Science Core Collection, CINAHL Plus with
Full Text, Child Development & Adolescent Studies,
Education Resources Information Center, SPORTDiscus,
ClinicalTrials. gov and the Trip Database from inception
up to 6 January 2017. Primary studies of any design
were eligible, except case studies. Results were limited
to English-language, Spanish-language or Frenchlanguage
materials. Articles related to maternal physical
activity during pregnancy reporting on maternal, fetal or
neonatal morbidity, or fetal mortality were eligible for
inclusion. The quality of evidence was rated using the
Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development
and Evaluation methodology. The Guidelines Consensus
Panel solicited feedback from end users (obstetric care
providers, exercise professionals, researchers, policy
organisations, and pregnant and postpartum women).
The development of these guidelines followed the
Appraisal of Guidelines for Research and Evaluation
II instrument. The benefits of prenatal physical activity
are moderate and no harms were identified; therefore,
the difference between desirable and undesirable
consequences (net benefit) is expected to be moderate.
The majority of stakeholders and end users indicated
that following these recommendations would be
feasible, acceptable and equitable. Following these
recommendations is likely to require minimal resources
from both individual and health systems perspectives.