Intensive Training During a Twin Pregnancy. A Case Report

 

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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.