Physically active pregnancies: Insights from the placenta.

Physical activity (PA) positively influences pregnancy, a critical period for health promotion, and affects placental structure and function in ways previously overlooked. Here, we summarize the current body of literature examining the association between PA, placenta biology, and physiology while also highlighting areas where gaps in knowledge exist. PA during pregnancy induces metabolic changes, influencing nutrient availability and transporter expression in the placenta.

Examining the Effects of Gestational Physical Activity and Hofbauer Cell Polarization on Angiogenic Factors.

While gestational physical activity (PA) has demonstrated health benefits for both birthing parent and fetus, the mechanisms still need to be fully understood. Placental macrophages, or Hofbauer cells (HBCs), comprise a heterogenous population containing inflammatory (CD206-) and anti-inflammatory (CD206+) phenotypes. Similar to other tissue-resident macrophages (TRMs), HBCs are potential mediators of angiogenesis due to their secretion of both pro- and anti-angiogenic factors, including FGF2, VEGF, and SPRY2.

Characterization of Hofbauer cell polarization and VEGF localization in human term placenta from active and inactive pregnant individuals.

Physical activity (PA) during pregnancy is associated with parental and fetal health benefits; however, the mechanisms through which these benefits arise are yet to be fully understood. In healthy pregnancies Hofbauer cells (HBCs) comprise a heterogenous population containing CD206 and CD206 phenotypes. In healthy pregnancies, CD206 represent the majority, while dysregulations have been associated with pathological conditions.

Physical Activity and Weight Gain Throughout Pregnancy Are Associated With Umbilical Cord Markers.

Objective: Maternal serum and umbilical cord (UC) lipid and glucose levels are influenced by a variety of maternal factors over the course of pregnancy, including maternal physical activity (PA) levels and gestational weight gain (GWG). However, previous research has not assessed the interaction of these 2 variables. This study investigated mid-gestation (24-28 weeks) and late gestation (34-38 weeks) maternal and UC serum lipid and glucose profiles in relation to maternal PA status and GWG, independently and in combination.

Elucidating the interaction between maternal physical activity and circulating myokines throughout gestation: A scoping review.

Physical activity (PA) during pregnancy provides both maternal and fetal health benefits. It has been theorized that myokines, peptides secreted by contracting skeletal muscle, may play an important mechanistic role in facilitating the health benefits obtained from prenatal exercise. The objective of this review was to synthesize the current literature on the relationship between maternal PA and myokine response.

Physical activity differentially regulates VEGF, PlGF, and their receptors in the human placenta.

Physical activity (PA) has beneficial effects on the function of many organs by modulating their vascular development. Regular PA during pregnancy is associated with favorable short- and long-term outcomes for both mother and fetus. During pregnancy, appropriate vascularization of the placenta is crucial for adequate maternal-fetal nutrient and gas exchange.