Study challenges overheating risk for pregnant women exercising in the heat

Infographic by Sarah Carter, Thermal Ergonomics Laboratory, University of Sydney - Pregnant women are at no greater risk of dangerous 'overheating' when exercising in hot weather compared to non-pregnant women, according to a world-first Australian study. The findings question recommendations discouraging exercise in hot weather due to the potential risk to the unborn child associated with 'overheating' or maternal hyperthermia, defined as a rise in core body temperature above 39°C or 102°F. The research is led by the University of Sydney's Thermal Ergonomics Laboratory and was recently published in Sports Medicine . "This is the first study to show that pregnant women can safely engage in moderate-intensity exercise for up to 45 minutes at up to 32°C (90°F) and 45 percent relative humidity with minimal risk of overheating," said senior author Professor Ollie Jay of the University of Sydney's Faculty of Medicine and Health and Charles Perkins Centre. "This is important information, given the increasing temperatures globally and the well-known downstream benefits of regular physical activity throughout pregnancy to both mother and child". How was the study conducted?. Researchers conducted the controlled experimental study in a state-of-the-art climate chamber which allowed them to simulate typical Australian summertime conditions of 32°C (90°F) and 45 percent relative humidity.