Midwife Makes Surprising Suggestion Weeks Before Birth, Mom Says It Worked
Summary
Utah mother Isabelle Fisher said her midwife cleared her to resume light weightlifting at 35 weeks after she had been placed on bed rest because of fetal growth restriction and concerns about blood flow through the umbilical cord. Scans later showed stronger blood flow, but a doctor cautioned that one improved measurement cannot show exercise caused the change; after the baby moved less and failed a non-stress test, her care team recommended delivery.Key Facts
- Fisher said her daughter was measuring about four to five weeks behind because of intrauterine growth restriction, which she linked to a calcified placenta and poor umbilical-cord blood flow.
- Fisher was placed on bed rest at 32 weeks and received twice-weekly monitoring, including non-stress tests and ultrasounds.
- At 35 weeks, her midwife cleared her to return to the gym, focusing on upper-body exercises and avoiding excessive pelvic-floor strain.
- Fisher said later ultrasounds showed stronger blood flow through the umbilical cord.
- Maternal-fetal medicine specialist Jeffrey Chapa said Doppler measurements can vary and that an improved reading after exercise does not establish that exercise caused it.
- At 36 weeks, Fisher's daughter moved less than usual and failed a non-stress test after passing nearly 15 earlier tests.
- The care team recommended delivery because of concern that the placenta could no longer adequately support the baby.
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