Exercise Interventions for the Prevention and Management of Hypertensive Disorders of Pregnancy: A Scoping Review

This scoping review aims to systematically map the existing evidence regarding exercise interventions for the prevention and management of hypertensive disorders of pregnancy (HDP). Hypertensive disorders of pregnancy, including gestational hypertension and preeclampsia, are among the leading causes of maternal and perinatal morbidity and mortality worldwide. Exercise during pregnancy has been widely recommended in international guidelines due to its potential benefits for maternal cardiovascular health and pregnancy outcomes. However, the characteristics, implementation strategies, and reported outcomes of exercise interventions targeting HDP remain heterogeneous across the literature. The objective of this review is to identify and synthesise current research on exercise interventions during pregnancy that are designed to prevent or manage hypertensive disorders of pregnancy. Specifically, this review will map the types of exercise interventions implemented (e.g., aerobic exercise, resistance training, or combined modalities), the characteristics of the intervention protocols (frequency, intensity, time, and type), and the maternal and fetal outcomes reported in the literature. The results of this review will provide a comprehensive overview of the current evidence base, identify research gaps, and inform future research directions regarding exercise interventions for hypertensive disorders of pregnancy.