Historical overview of prenatal exercise practices

Abstract

The primary purpose of the study was to provide a descriptive historical account of exercise practices during pregnancy from 1700 to present day. The secondary purposes examined the influencing factors of the changing attitudes toward exercise in pregnancy including the role of women in society and women's participation in sport activities. The population studied was primarily limited to white, middle and upper income women of the United States. The review of the literature was presented in four sections: (1) the colonial and early national era, 1607-1835; (2) the Victorian era, 1835-1910; (3) early to mid-twentieth century, 1910- 1960; and (4) 1960 to present day. In addition, each era was categorized into the following three divisions: (1) woman's role in society; (2) sport activities for women; and (3) medical advice during pregnancy. Recommendations for further study were made.