Breathing for Two: Inspiratory Muscle Strength Training for Supporting Healthy Blood Pressure in Pregnancy

Summary

This is an interventional study that will test whether a breathing exercise called Inspiratory Muscle Strength Training (IMST) can safely and effectively lower blood pressure during late pregnancy. The goal is to see if a home-based breathing training can help prevent or reduce high blood pressure disorders in pregnancy. The main objectives are to make sure the training is safe and tolerable for pregnant women and to examine blood pressure and blood vessel health. Participants in their third trimester will be randomly assigned to either do moderate resistance IMST or a minimal resistance sham IMST, for 5 to 8 minutes a day over six weeks.

Eligibility

Age range

18–55 years

Sex

Female

Healthy volunteers

Yes

Interventions

• Other
  Exercise at 15% PI max

  Minimal resistance training, similar to yoga, for 5 to 8 minutes a day over six weeks.

• Other
  Exercise at 50% PI max

  Moderate resistance training, similar to strength training for 5 to 8 minutes a day over six weeks.

Location