Intensive Training During a Twin Pregnancy. A Case Report

This case study reports the clinical and physiological changes of a 33 year old elite marathoner undertaking intensive endurance training during and following a twin pregnancy. Prior to conception, the subject ran 155 km·week^-1 at an intensity equivalent to 140 - 180 b·min^-1 which following consultation decreased to 107±19 km·week^-1 at an intensity equivalent to 130 - 140 b·min^-1 during pregnancy. Physical exercise ceased 3 days prior to an elective Caesarean section following a 36 week gestation period and recommenced 8 days following the birth of healthy twins. Medical assessments conducted ante/ post partum indicated that both the twins and mother were healtlhy. A field based test demonstrated that running velocity at a steady state HR of 140 b·min^-1, 150 b·min^-1 and 160 b·min^-1 decreased by 20 %, 15 % and 13 % respectively between weeks 1 and 32 antepartum. Whole blood lactate ([La^-]_B), oxygen uptake (VO₂), ventilatory equivalent for oxygen (VE/VO₂), HR and Borg rating of perceived exertion (RPE) increased during a laboratory-based submaximal treadmill test at 29 weeks antepartum in comparison to a test conducted 10 weeks post partum. These data clearly demonstrate that it is possible for an elite endurance athlete to maintain a high level of cardiovascular fitness during pregnancy with no apparent adverse effects on maternal or fetal health. This will facilitate an earlier return to international competition.

Key words

Maternal and fetal well-being - cardiovascular fitness - endurance training