Physical activity during pregnancy is related to the lung function of the offspring

The researchers further discovered that exercise during pregnancy is not only good for mothers, but also for their offspring
.

In the study presented at the "virtual" European Respiratory Society International Conference today (Sunday), Dr.
Hrefna Caitlin Gudmundsdottir said that the study of 814 infants, for the first time showed the link between low lung function and physical exercise for babies born to mothers A baby born to a moderately active mother
.

Dr.
Gudmundsdottir, a pediatrician and doctoral student at the University of Oslo, Norway, said: “Previous research has shown that people with low lung function in infancy are at higher risk of asthma, other obstructive lung diseases, and low lung function in later life
.
” Therefore, exploration and Factors related to infant lung function are very important

"In our research, we found that babies born to non-exercise mothers have lower lung function than babies born to active mothers
.
"

Among the 290 infants of inactive mothers, 8.
6% (25) belonged to the lowest lung function group, and 4.
2% (22) of the 524 infants of active mothers belonged to this group.
There were only 47 infants (out of 814 infants).
5.
8% of patients) have low lung function
.
The average lung function of infants with active mothers is slightly higher than that of infants with inactive mothers

"We have observed a trend that has increased the importance of recommending physical exercise for women of childbearing age and pregnant women
.
However, there may be some factors that affect the physical activity of mothers and the lung function of the offspring.

The researchers evaluated data from 814 healthy babies born to women in Oslo and Stockholm.

The researchers asked these women to complete questionnaires on health, life>
.
At 18 weeks, these women reported the frequency, duration and intensity of their exercise, which were then divided into non-exercise, fairly active, and very active bb0

The lung function is measured when the baby is about three months old, and the lung function is evaluated by measuring the normal breathing of a calm, awake baby
.
This is done by putting a mask on the baby's nose and mouth, and recording the flow and amount of air inhaled and exhaled

The most important measurement index in this study is the ratio of peak expiratory tidal flow to expiratory time (tPTEF/tE)
.
A low tPTEF/tE indicates the restriction of exhaled airflow

Researchers did not find a significant and continuous increase in tPTEF/tE from babies of inactive mothers to babies of very active mothers
.
However, they did find that infants from inactive mothers are more likely to have tPTEF/tE lower than 0.

"Although there is no clear definition of'low' lung function, research including our own group found that babies with tPTEF/tE less than 0.
20 shortly after birth are more likely to have a history of asthma before the age of 10.

In addition, lung function The worst 50% of children are more likely to have asthma at the age of 10 and have a history of asthma
.
" [2]

Researchers will follow the development of lung function as the baby grows up and its relationship with the development of respiratory diseases (such as asthma)
.

She concluded: “We also hope to explore the links between mother’s physical activity and asthma, allergies and other non-communicable diseases in the future
.
”

Jonathan Grieg was not involved in the study.
He is Professor of Pediatric Respiratory and Environmental Medicine at Queen Mary University of London, UK, and Chairman of the Tobacco Control Committee of the European Respiratory Society
.
He said: "We already know a lot about the importance of pregnant women staying healthy and active, but we don't know much about the impact on babies
.
" Babies have better lung function, so it may be related to their future health
.
More research is needed to confirm this link, but it is important that women feel that their healthcare providers support them to be active in a comfortable and accessible way
.

"It is also worth remembering that the most important thing mothers can do for their own health and the health of their babies is to ensure that they do not smoke or use other tobacco products before, during and after pregnancy
.
Has the greatest impact on lung function and health
.
"

[1] Moderate-intensity exercise is defined as "a little sweating and shortness of breath (violent)", high-intensity exercise is defined as "sweating and shortness of breath (violent)", and low-intensity exercise is defined as "no sweating or breathing Rush (not violent)"
.
If they just walk slowly, participate in low-intensity exercise, or do not exercise at all, they are considered inactive
.
If they do moderate or high-intensity exercise for more than 120 minutes per week, they are defined as quite active, while those who exercise 120 minutes or more per week are defined as very active
.

[2] "Decreased lung function at birth and the risk of asthma at age 10", Geir Häland et al.
, NEJM, 2006, doi: 10.
1056/NEJMoa052885
.