The Claim

Resistance training as part of a multicomponent exercise program is associated with a 33% reduction in the odds of macrosomia in newborns (OR 0.67, 95% CI 0.50–0.88), suggesting a potential role in regulating fetal growth and reducing birth complications.

Source: Resistance training in pregnancy: systematic review and meta-analysis of pregnancy, delivery, fetal and pelvic floor outcomes and call to action

What the research says

Supports is higher

Support is ahead, but a single strong opposing study can change this.

Supports
46score
Challenges
0score

These are independent scores, not a percentage. Higher-grade studies count more, so a single strong opposing study can outweigh several weaker ones.

Correlation
1 study reviewed
In plain English

When pregnant women do resistance training as part of their exercise routine, their babies are less likely to be born very large, which can help avoid birth problems.

See the scientific wording

Resistance training as part of a multicomponent exercise program is associated with a 33% reduction in the odds of macrosomia (OR 0.67, 95% CI 0.50–0.88) in newborns, suggesting a potential role in regulating fetal growth and reducing birth complications.

What the research says

1 study

  1. Study: Resistance training in pregnancy: systematic review and meta-analysis of pregnancy, delivery, fetal and pelvic floor outcomes and call to action

    This study found that pregnant women who did strength training as part of their exercise routine were less likely to have babies that were unusually large, which can cause birth problems. So yes, strength training during pregnancy may help babies grow at a healthier size.

Score breakdown, mechanism chain, raw evidence, ideal studies needed & 1 supporting studies

Fit Body Science verdict — we translate health claims into clear verdicts backed by peer-reviewed research.

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