Exercise during pregnancy for preventing gestational diabetes mellitus and hypertensive disorders: An umbrella review of randomised controlled trials and an updated meta‐analysis

Abstract

Objective

This study aimed to provide, through an umbrella review, an overview of the effect of single exercise interventions during pregnancy on gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) and hypertensive disorders of pregnancy (HDP). Also, to update the current evidence through an updated meta‐analysis.

Design

Umbrella review.

Setting

PubMed, EMBASE, Web of Science, Cochrane database of systematic reviews, Epistemonikos, SPORTDiscus, Clinicaltrials.gov, and PROSPERO register were searched from the database inception until August 2021.

Population

Peer‐reviewed systematic reviews and meta‐analyses of randomised controlled trials (RCTs) and RCTs samples.

Methods

Random‐effects model was used to calculate relative risk with 95% confidence interval in the updated meta‐analysis. The reference category was the groups that received usual prenatal care. AMSTAR 2 and the Cochrane Collaboration tool were used to assess the quality and GRADE approach was used to assess the overall certainly of evidence.

Main outcome measures

GDM and HDP relative risk.

Results

Twenty‐three systematic reviews and meta‐analyses; and 63 RCTs were included. Single exercise interventions reduced the incidence of GDM and HDP in most systematic reviews and meta‐analyses. Moreover, exercise interventions during pregnancy decrease the incidence of developing GDM and GH, particularly when they are supervised, have a low to moderate intensity level, and are initiated during the first trimester of pregnancy.

Conclusion

Based on the findings, obstetric and physical exercise professionals could recommend exercise interventions during pregnancy as an effective strategy to improve maternal outcomes.