Maternal Exercise During Pregnancy Linked to Nearly Halved Asthma Risk in Children, Study Finds

KUOPIO, Finland – A groundbreaking study from the University of Eastern Finland has revealed that pregnant women who engage in regular exercise can significantly reduce their child’s risk of developing asthma. The research, published in the journal Med, indicates that exercising at least three times a week during pregnancy can lower a child’s asthma risk by nearly 50% compared to children of less active mothers.

Researchers from the University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio University Hospital, and the Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare analyzed data from nearly 1,000 mother-child pairs within the Kuopio Birth Cohort (KuBiCo). The study tracked these pairs from pregnancy through the children’s seventh year, providing a comprehensive look at the long-term effects of maternal exercise.

This is the first study to establish a clear and direct link between consistent maternal exercise during pregnancy and a substantial reduction in childhood asthma risk. The researchers found that regular exercise positively influences fetal lung development, which is believed to play a critical role in asthma prevention.

“Our findings suggest that maternal exercise during pregnancy has a protective effect against childhood asthma,” stated one of the lead researchers. “Even after accounting for various lifestyle and environmental factors, such as maternal weight, stress, family exercise habits, and smoking avoidance, the protective effect of exercise remained significant.”

Interestingly, the study found no additional benefit in reducing asthma risk by exercising more than three times a week. This suggests that a moderate, consistent exercise routine during pregnancy is sufficient to achieve the observed protective effects.

The researchers emphasize that this study underscores the importance of promoting healthy lifestyle choices, including regular exercise, during pregnancy to support optimal fetal development and reduce the risk of childhood asthma.

Disclaimer: This article is based on the findings of a single study and should not be interpreted as definitive medical advice. Pregnant women should consult with their healthcare providers before starting or modifying any exercise regimen. Further research may be needed to confirm and expand upon these findings. Individual results may vary.(https://www.emedinexus.com/post/47428/Study-Finds-Maternal-Exercise-Lowers-Childs-Asthma-Risk-by-Nearly-Half)