The objective of this paper was to assess the relationship between amniotic liquid volume, physical activity and immersion in water during pregnancy. By using different combinations of these terms MedLine and Scielo databases were consulted in the period of 1980 and 2005 for subject related articles. Amniotic liquid is fundamental for fetal muscle skeletal, gastrointestinal and respiratory systems development. In the past amniotic liquid evaluation was poor but with the introduction of ultrasonography it has become easy and non-invasive. New techniques to measure volume and normality curves emerged. More recently, several new techniques for volume correction have been tried in an attempt to reduce associated morbidity. A non-invasive method intensively used in Brazil is maternal hyper hydration. Other authors suggest water immersion techniques, static or with physical activity, quite in use these days. Nowadays there are yet few studies on physical exercise in the water for pregnant women related to maternal, fetal and perinatal benefits. This paper aims at a more in-depth study of water immersion aerobic exercises for pregnant women in connection with amniotic liquid volume and fetal well being.
Pregnancy; Amniotic fluid, Physical activity; Immersion