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Papers by Jane M Bendix

Research paper thumbnail of Prevalence and predictors of maternal smoking prior to and during pregnancy in a regional Danish population: a cross-sectional study

Reproductive Health, Jun 14, 2019

Background: Maternal smoking is still a major public health problem posing the risk of several ne... more Background: Maternal smoking is still a major public health problem posing the risk of several negative health outcomes for both the pregnant woman and her offspring. The prevalence of maternal smoking in Denmark and other high-income countries has decreased continuously since the 1980s, and a prevalence below 10% of women who continue to smoke during pregnancy has been reported in studies after 2010. Previous studies have shown that low socioeconomic status is associated with maternal smoking. Information from the Danish Birth Register about maternal smoking shows that the prevalence of women who report to smoke in pregnancy has decreased continuously with 23.3% who reported ever smoking in pregnancy in 2000, 12.9% in 2010 and 9.0% in 2017. The aim of this study was to estimate the prevalence of maternal smoking at the time of conception and at 20 weeks of gestation in a regional Danish population, to describe differences in maternal characteristics among smokers, quitters and never-smokers, and to estimate predictors of smoking at the time of conception. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among pregnant women receiving antenatal care at the

Research paper thumbnail of Counselling on physical activity in Danish antenatal care: A qualitative study of experiences from both the pregnant woman’s and the care provider’s perspective

Sexual & Reproductive Healthcare

Research paper thumbnail of 597-P: Effects of Exercise Interventions on Blood HbA1c and Lipid Concentrations in Healthy Pregnant Women—The FitMum RCT

Diabetes

Concentrations of maternal glucose and lipid during pregnancy affect both fetal growth and the ri... more Concentrations of maternal glucose and lipid during pregnancy affect both fetal growth and the risk of pregnancy complications. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of two different exercise interventions on maternal blood HbA1c and lipid concentrations. Healthy pregnant women (n=219) were enrolled in the study at gestational age ≤15+0 weeks and randomized 2:2:1 to supervised exercise sessions three times per week, to a motivational group having seven counselling sessions on physical activity, or to standard care. Venous blood samples were drawn at 6+4 to 15+0 weeks, at 28+0-6 weeks, at 34+0-6 weeks and at delivery. HbA1c, total cholesterol, LDL-C and triglyceride concentrations were measured by standard biochemical methods and compared within and between groups using constrained linear mixed models. No differences in HbA1c or lipid concentrations between the groups were detected (Figure 1). Overall, HbA1c decreased from ≤15+0 to 28+0-6 weeks (p<0.001) and increase...

Research paper thumbnail of Effects of Two Physical Activity Interventions on Sleep and Sedentary Time in Pregnant Women

International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health

Pregnancy is often associated with poor sleep and high sedentary time (SED). We investigated the ... more Pregnancy is often associated with poor sleep and high sedentary time (SED). We investigated the effect of physical activity (PA) interventions on sleep and SED in pregnant women. A secondary analysis of a randomized controlled trial (n = 219) explored the effect of structured supervised exercise training (EXE) or motivational counseling on PA (MOT) compared to standard prenatal care (CON) on sleep and SED during pregnancy. Three times during pregnancy, sleep was determined by the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) and SED by the Pregnancy Physical Activity Questionnaire (PPAQ). Also, a wrist-worn consumer activity tracker measured sleep and SED continuously. Data from the activity tracker confirmed that sleep time decreases, and SED increases by approx. 30 and 24 min/day, respectively, from baseline (maximum gestational age (GA) week 15) to delivery. Compared to CON, the global PSQI score was better for EXE in GA week 28 (−0.8 [−1.5; −0.1], p = 0.031) and for both EXE and MOT in...

Research paper thumbnail of Effects of prenatal exercise on gestational weight gain, obstetric and neonatal outcomes: FitMum randomized controlled trial

BMC Pregnancy and Childbirth

Background To investigate the effects of two different exercise interventions during pregnancy on... more Background To investigate the effects of two different exercise interventions during pregnancy on gestational weight gain (GWG) and obstetric and neonatal outcomes compared to standard care. Additionally, we aimed to improve standardization of GWG measurements by developing a model to estimate GWG for a standardized pregnancy period of 40 weeks and 0 days accounting for individual differences in gestational age (GA) at delivery. Methods In a randomized controlled trial we compared the effects of structured supervised exercise training (EXE) three times per week throughout pregnancy versus motivational counselling on physical activity (MOT) seven times during pregnancy with standard care (CON) on GWG and obstetric and neonatal outcomes. Uniquely, to estimate GWG for a standardized pregnancy period, we developed a novel model to predict GWG based on longitudinally observed body weights during pregnancy and at admission for delivery. Observed weights were fitted to a mixed effects mode...

Research paper thumbnail of Adherence to recommended physical activity restrictions due to threatened preterm delivery – a descriptive multi-center study

BMC Pregnancy and Childbirth, Jan 24, 2023

Background Threatened preterm delivery is a serious obstetrical complication and has for decades ... more Background Threatened preterm delivery is a serious obstetrical complication and has for decades been prescribed physical activity restrictions (AR). Adherence to the recommended level of physical AR is however unknown. This study aimed to assess the objectively measured different physical positions and activities of pregnant women recommended AR due to threatened preterm delivery complications, compared to a reference group of uncomplicated pregnant women without restrictions, and to explore if admission status influenced adherence to AR. Methods A Danish descriptive, clinical multi-center study included singleton pregnancies between 22-33 gestational weeks admitted to an antenatal ward or during midwife consultations either prescribed AR due to threatened preterm delivery or uncomplicated controls without restrictions. For seven days participants wore two tri-axial accelerometric SENS ® monitors. Accelerometric data included time spent in five different positions, activities, and step counts. At inclusion demographic and obstetric information was collected. Results Seventy-two pregnant women participated; 31% were prescribed strict AR, 15% moderate, 3% light, 8% unspecified, and 43% had no AR. Strict AR participants rested in the supine/lateral position for 17.7 median hours/day (range:9.6-24.0); sat upright 4.9 h/day (0.11-11.7); took 1,520steps/day (20-5,482), and 64% were inpatients. Moderate AR participants rested in the supine/lateral position for 15.1 h/day (11.5-21.6); sat upright 5.6 h/day (2.0-9.3); took 3,310steps/day (467-6,968), and 64% were outpatients. Participants with no AR rested 10.5 h/day (6.3-15.4) in supine/ lateral position; sat upright 7.6 h/day (0.1-11.4) and took 9,235steps/day (3,225-20,818). Compared to no restrictions, participants with strict or moderate AR spent significant more time in physical resting positions and took significant fewer mean steps. Among strict AR admission status did not alter time spent in the physical positions, nor the step count. Conclusions Overall, participants adhered highly to the recommended AR. However, discriminating between strict and moderate AR recommendations did not alter how physical resting positions and activities were carried out. The admission status did not influence how participants adhered to strict AR.

Research paper thumbnail of Methods to Estimate Energy Expenditure, Physical Activity, and Sedentary Time in Pregnant Women: A Validation Study Using Doubly Labeled Water

Journal for the measurement of physical behaviour, 2023

Research paper thumbnail of Physical activity in pregnancy: a mixed methods process evaluation of the FitMum randomised controlled trial interventions

BMC Public Health

Background Physical activity (PA) at moderate intensity is recommended for healthy pregnant women... more Background Physical activity (PA) at moderate intensity is recommended for healthy pregnant women. The three-arm FitMum randomised controlled trial showed that it was possible to increase PA level during pregnancy with structured supervised exercise training (EXE) compared to standard care. Motivational counselling on PA (MOT) did not increase PA. This process evaluation aims to understand the implementation and mechanisms of impact of EXE and MOT. Methods A mixed methods process evaluation was conducted using the UK Medical Research Council’s process evaluation framework by assessing implementation (reach, fidelity, and dose) and mechanisms of impact of the two interventions provided to pregnant women in FitMum. Data was collected both quantitatively (n = 220) and qualitatively (n = 20). Results The FitMum trial reached educated pregnant women (80% having an educational level ≥ bachelor’s degree) with high autonomy of everyday life. Most participants (58%) were recruited at their f...

Research paper thumbnail of Effects of Structured Supervised Exercise Training or Motivational Counseling on Pregnant Women’s Physical Activity Level: FitMum - Randomized Controlled Trial

Journal of Medical Internet Research

Background Physical activity (PA) during pregnancy is an effective and safe way to improve matern... more Background Physical activity (PA) during pregnancy is an effective and safe way to improve maternal health in uncomplicated pregnancies. However, compliance with PA recommendations remains low among pregnant women. Objective The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of offering structured supervised exercise training (EXE) or motivational counseling on PA (MOT) during pregnancy on moderate-to-vigorous intensity physical activity (MVPA) level. Additionally, complementary measures of PA using the Pregnancy Physical Activity Questionnaire (PPAQ) and gold standard doubly labeled water (DLW) technique were investigated. The hypotheses were that both EXE and MOT would increase MVPA in pregnancy compared with standard care (CON) and that EXE would be more effective than MOT. In addition, the association between MVPA and the number of sessions attended was explored. Methods A randomized controlled trial included 220 healthy, inactive pregnant women with a median gestational age ...

Research paper thumbnail of Case report of COVID-19 in pregnancy and viral presence in the vagina -- recommendations for obstetric practice

Research paper thumbnail of Pregnant womeńs views on the timing of prophylactic antibiotics during caesarean delivery: A qualitative semi-structured interview study

European Journal of Obstetrics & Gynecology and Reproductive Biology, 2021

OBJECTIVE To gain insight into pregnant women's preferences if given a choice between getting... more OBJECTIVE To gain insight into pregnant women's preferences if given a choice between getting antibiotic prophylaxis before or after cord clamping during caesarean delivery. STUDY DESIGN A qualitative semi-structured interview-study. The interviews were conducted at a Danish Hospital, with about 4000 deliveries a year. Fourteen individual semi-structured interviews were conducted with pregnant women, either considering or having a planned caesarean section, or scheduled for induction due to post-term gestational age. A systematic text condensation approach was used to analyze the transcribed interviews. RESULTS Ten of the fourteen women favored antibiotic administration after cord clamping. Despite any adverse effects to the infant's microbiota and increased risk of long-term health outcomes were only hypothetical and the risk reduction in postpartum infections being well documented, they did not want to expose their offspring to antibiotics. Those who preferred antibiotic prophylaxis before cord clamping were concerned, if they would be able to care for the infant in case of a maternal infection. Three of the women preferring antibiotics after cord clamping said they would potentially change preference, if the maternal risk was higher. Most women preferred to be informed of the use of prophylactic antibiotic and that the timing has consequences for trans-placental exposure to the infant. CONCLUSIONS With most of the interviewed women preferring antibiotic administration after cord clamping, we suggest patients should be involved in the decision regarding timing of prophylactic antibiotics before caesarean section.

Research paper thumbnail of Cross-cultural adaption, translation and reliability tests of the Danish version of the Pregnancy Exercise Self-Efficacy Scale

Sexual & Reproductive Healthcare, 2020

This is a PDF file of an article that has undergone enhancements after acceptance, such as the ad... more This is a PDF file of an article that has undergone enhancements after acceptance, such as the addition of a cover page and metadata, and formatting for readability, but it is not yet the definitive version of record. This version will undergo additional copyediting, typesetting and review before it is published in its final form, but we are providing this version to give early visibility of the article. Please note that, during the production process, errors may be discovered which could affect the content, and all legal disclaimers that apply to the journal pertain.

Research paper thumbnail of A prospective cohort study of confirmed severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2) infection during pregnancy evaluating SARS‐CoV‐2 antibodies in maternal and umbilical cord blood and SARS‐CoV‐2 in vaginal swabs

Acta Obstetricia et Gynecologica Scandinavica, 2021

IntroductionEvidence about the consequences of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (S... more IntroductionEvidence about the consequences of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2) infection in pregnancy is rapidly increasing; however, data on antibody response and risk of transmission during pregnancy and delivery are still limited. The aim of this study was to evaluate if SARS‐CoV‐2 is detectable in vaginal swabs and whether antibodies against SARS‐CoV‐2 are present in maternal and umbilical cord blood of pregnant women with confirmed SARS‐CoV‐2.Material and methodsA single‐unit prospective cohort study in Denmark including pregnant women with SARS‐CoV‐2 infection confirmed by a pharyngeal swab between August 20, 2020, and March 1, 2021, who gave birth during the same period. All patients admitted to the maternity ward and antepartum clinic were screened for SARS‐CoV‐2 infection. A maternal blood sample and vaginal swabs were collected at inclusion. If included antepartum, these samples were repeated intrapartum when an umbilical cord blood sample was ...

Research paper thumbnail of The prevalence of sick leave: Reasons and associated predictors – A survey among employed pregnant women

Sexual & Reproductive Healthcare, 2018

We aimed to investigate the prevalence of sick leave and self-reported reasons given for sick lea... more We aimed to investigate the prevalence of sick leave and self-reported reasons given for sick leave during pregnancy. Furthermore, we aimed to estimate the frequency of long-term sick leave during pregnancy in relation to pre-baseline maternal characteristics and to identify predictors of long-term sick leave. Method: Data from 508 employed pregnant women seeking antenatal care was collected by questionnaires from August 2015 to March 2016. The questionnaires, which were filled in at 20 and 32 weeks of gestation, provided information on maternal characteristics, the number of days spent on sick leave and the associated reasons. Descriptive statistics and logistic regression analysis were applied. Results: The prevalence of sick leave was 56% of employed pregnant women in the first 32 weeks of gestation and more than one in four reported long-term sick leave (> 20 days, continuous or intermittent). Low back pain was the reason most frequently stated. Fewer than one in ten stated that their sick leave was due to work-related conditions. Positive predictors of long-term sick leave were multiparity, pre-pregnancy low back pain and mental disease, while an advanced degree education was a negative predictor. Conclusions: The prevalence of sick leave was 56% in the first 32 weeks of gestation and more than one in four women reported long-term sick leave. The majority of reasons for sick leave were pregnancy-related and low back pain was the most frequently given reason.

Research paper thumbnail of Structured supervised exercise training or motivational counselling during pregnancy on physical activity level and health of mother and offspring: FitMum study protocol

BMJ Open, 2021

IntroductionA physically active lifestyle during pregnancy improves maternal and offspring health... more IntroductionA physically active lifestyle during pregnancy improves maternal and offspring health but can be difficult to follow. In Denmark, less than 40% of pregnant women meet physical activity (PA) recommendations. The FitMum study aims to explore strategies to increase PA during pregnancy among women with low PA and assess the health effects of PA. This paper presents the FitMum protocol, which evaluates the effects of structured supervised exercise training or motivational counselling supported by health technology during pregnancy on PA level and health of mother and offspring.Methods and analysisA single-site three-arm randomised controlled trial that aims to recruit 220 healthy, pregnant women with gestational age (GA) no later than week 15 and whose PA level does not exceed one hour/week. Participants are randomised to one of three groups: structured supervised exercise training consisting of three weekly exercise sessions, motivational counselling supported by health tech...

Research paper thumbnail of Low back pain intensity among childbearing women and associated predictors. A cohort study

Women and Birth

Background: Low back pain is a common condition among childbearing women, causing physical disabi... more Background: Low back pain is a common condition among childbearing women, causing physical disability and an increased risk of sick leave and obstetric complications. Aims: To assess the prevalence and intensity of low back pain during pregnancy, to describe the physical disability and sick leave in relation to the severity of low back pain and to identify predictors of moderate to severe low back pain in socio-demographic, health and obstetric characteristics among childbearing women. Methods: A cohort study was undertaken (n = 566) during August 2015 to March 2016. Questionnaires were used to obtain information about low back pain intensity, physical disability due to low back pain and sick leave at 20 and 32 weeks of gestation. Of the 654 eligible women, 87% completed the first questionnaire. Findings: Three out of four reported any low back pain at 20 weeks of gestation, and nine out of ten women at 32 weeks. Of these women, one in three reported moderate to severe pain at 20 weeks, increasing to half of the women at 32 weeks. Both sick leave and physical disability increased with increasing low back pain scores. Pre-pregnancy low back pain, multiparity and lower level of education were all identified as predictors of moderate to severe low back pain. Conclusions: Women with pre-pregnancy low back pain, multiparity and lower level of education, represent the group of women with the highest risk of moderate to severe low back pain during pregnancy and should be payed special attention.

Research paper thumbnail of Changing prevalence and the risk factors for antenatal obstetric hospitalizations in Denmark 2003-2012

Clinical Epidemiology, 2016

Population-based studies evaluating the use and extent of antenatal obstetric hospitalizations (A... more Population-based studies evaluating the use and extent of antenatal obstetric hospitalizations (AOH) are sparse. The objective of the present study was to describe the prevalence, time trend, and risk factors for AOH in Denmark. Materials and methods: A retrospective national register-based cohort study was conducted that included all pregnancies with delivery after 22 gestational weeks in Denmark from 2003 to 2012. The outcomes were AOH and the diagnoses leading to these hospitalizations. AOH was defined as an antenatal hospitalization for at least 1 day with at least one obstetric International Classification of Diseases-10 diagnosis and admission date more than 3 days before delivery. Results: The study included 617,906 pregnancies; 48,366 (7.8%) pregnancies were associated with 64,072 AOH before delivery. The percentage of pregnancies with AOH decreased from 8.6% to 7.1%. The median length of stay decreased from 3 to 2 days, and admission for at least 7 days was almost halved. Threatened preterm delivery was the most frequent diagnostic category for AOH. A decline was seen in all diagnostic categories except maternal diseases. Significant risk factors for AOH were multiple pregnancies, low or high maternal age and body mass index, nulliparity, lower educational levels, unemployment or being outside the workforce, single partner status, and smoking. The relative risk of very preterm delivery before gestational age of 34 weeks was higher in pregnancies with AOH compared with pregnancies without AOH (relative risk 15.2; 95% confidence interval: 14.6-15.8). Conclusion: This study shows a shift toward less use and shorter duration of antenatal hospitalization in Denmark. The most common indication used in pregnancies with AOH was threatened preterm delivery, and more than one-third resulted in very preterm deliveries.

Research paper thumbnail of Induction of labor with high‐ or low‐dosage oral misoprostol – a Danish descriptive retrospective cohort study 2015‐16

Acta Obstetricia et Gynecologica Scandinavica

Research paper thumbnail of Pregnant women's management of activity restriction during hospitalisation – A question of yielding and not feeling deprived of a sense of control

Journal of Neonatal Nursing, 2014

Background: Maternal activity restriction (AR) is an obstetric intervention recommended to preven... more Background: Maternal activity restriction (AR) is an obstetric intervention recommended to prevent preterm birth, despite limited evidence of treatment effect and obvious adverse effects. Some pregnant women manage AR well, others poorly. Aim: We aimed to explain why pregnant women respond differently to AR. Methods: Using grounded theory, pregnant women were interviewed during inpatient AR. Results: Being without a sense of control was identified as core category which was shared by all the women, yet less stressful to manage when yielded in a selfdetermined way rather than experienced as involuntarily deprived. Good or poor management depended on five challenging dimensions: Having to find meaning, Being in a helpless and dependent state, Having to put aside personal values, Tolerating limitations of freedom and Having confidence in the AR therapy. Conclusion: Identification of the challenging dimensions of AR can guide health care providers in tailoring their support to each individual woman's reaction.

Research paper thumbnail of Expectant management of PPROM and major complications before planned delivery: A retrospective cohort study

Journal of obstetrics and gynaecology : the journal of the Institute of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Jan 17, 2014

Women with pre-term pre-labour rupture of membranes (PPROM) 22-33 weeks' gestation were inclu... more Women with pre-term pre-labour rupture of membranes (PPROM) 22-33 weeks' gestation were included in a retrospective cohort study with a structured audit to identify risk factors of major complications following PPROM and to assess whether these complications are predictable. Of the 234 women analysed, 106 (45%) delivered within three days. Eighty-four women (36%) had at least one major complication and 45% of these complications occurred within three days. The complication rate was 64% in early PPROM before 28 weeks' gestation and 11% in late PPROM at 28 weeks' gestation or later. Nulliparous women had an increased risk of major complications (adjusted hazards ratio: 3.07 (95% confidence interval: 1.28-7.37)). The complication rates were highest in early PPROM and during the first three days after PPROM. Multiparous women with late PPROM, who do not deliver within the first three days, have the lowest risk of major complications and are suitable for home care.

Research paper thumbnail of Prevalence and predictors of maternal smoking prior to and during pregnancy in a regional Danish population: a cross-sectional study

Reproductive Health, Jun 14, 2019

Background: Maternal smoking is still a major public health problem posing the risk of several ne... more Background: Maternal smoking is still a major public health problem posing the risk of several negative health outcomes for both the pregnant woman and her offspring. The prevalence of maternal smoking in Denmark and other high-income countries has decreased continuously since the 1980s, and a prevalence below 10% of women who continue to smoke during pregnancy has been reported in studies after 2010. Previous studies have shown that low socioeconomic status is associated with maternal smoking. Information from the Danish Birth Register about maternal smoking shows that the prevalence of women who report to smoke in pregnancy has decreased continuously with 23.3% who reported ever smoking in pregnancy in 2000, 12.9% in 2010 and 9.0% in 2017. The aim of this study was to estimate the prevalence of maternal smoking at the time of conception and at 20 weeks of gestation in a regional Danish population, to describe differences in maternal characteristics among smokers, quitters and never-smokers, and to estimate predictors of smoking at the time of conception. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among pregnant women receiving antenatal care at the

Research paper thumbnail of Counselling on physical activity in Danish antenatal care: A qualitative study of experiences from both the pregnant woman’s and the care provider’s perspective

Sexual & Reproductive Healthcare

Research paper thumbnail of 597-P: Effects of Exercise Interventions on Blood HbA1c and Lipid Concentrations in Healthy Pregnant Women—The FitMum RCT

Diabetes

Concentrations of maternal glucose and lipid during pregnancy affect both fetal growth and the ri... more Concentrations of maternal glucose and lipid during pregnancy affect both fetal growth and the risk of pregnancy complications. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of two different exercise interventions on maternal blood HbA1c and lipid concentrations. Healthy pregnant women (n=219) were enrolled in the study at gestational age ≤15+0 weeks and randomized 2:2:1 to supervised exercise sessions three times per week, to a motivational group having seven counselling sessions on physical activity, or to standard care. Venous blood samples were drawn at 6+4 to 15+0 weeks, at 28+0-6 weeks, at 34+0-6 weeks and at delivery. HbA1c, total cholesterol, LDL-C and triglyceride concentrations were measured by standard biochemical methods and compared within and between groups using constrained linear mixed models. No differences in HbA1c or lipid concentrations between the groups were detected (Figure 1). Overall, HbA1c decreased from ≤15+0 to 28+0-6 weeks (p<0.001) and increase...

Research paper thumbnail of Effects of Two Physical Activity Interventions on Sleep and Sedentary Time in Pregnant Women

International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health

Pregnancy is often associated with poor sleep and high sedentary time (SED). We investigated the ... more Pregnancy is often associated with poor sleep and high sedentary time (SED). We investigated the effect of physical activity (PA) interventions on sleep and SED in pregnant women. A secondary analysis of a randomized controlled trial (n = 219) explored the effect of structured supervised exercise training (EXE) or motivational counseling on PA (MOT) compared to standard prenatal care (CON) on sleep and SED during pregnancy. Three times during pregnancy, sleep was determined by the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) and SED by the Pregnancy Physical Activity Questionnaire (PPAQ). Also, a wrist-worn consumer activity tracker measured sleep and SED continuously. Data from the activity tracker confirmed that sleep time decreases, and SED increases by approx. 30 and 24 min/day, respectively, from baseline (maximum gestational age (GA) week 15) to delivery. Compared to CON, the global PSQI score was better for EXE in GA week 28 (−0.8 [−1.5; −0.1], p = 0.031) and for both EXE and MOT in...

Research paper thumbnail of Effects of prenatal exercise on gestational weight gain, obstetric and neonatal outcomes: FitMum randomized controlled trial

BMC Pregnancy and Childbirth

Background To investigate the effects of two different exercise interventions during pregnancy on... more Background To investigate the effects of two different exercise interventions during pregnancy on gestational weight gain (GWG) and obstetric and neonatal outcomes compared to standard care. Additionally, we aimed to improve standardization of GWG measurements by developing a model to estimate GWG for a standardized pregnancy period of 40 weeks and 0 days accounting for individual differences in gestational age (GA) at delivery. Methods In a randomized controlled trial we compared the effects of structured supervised exercise training (EXE) three times per week throughout pregnancy versus motivational counselling on physical activity (MOT) seven times during pregnancy with standard care (CON) on GWG and obstetric and neonatal outcomes. Uniquely, to estimate GWG for a standardized pregnancy period, we developed a novel model to predict GWG based on longitudinally observed body weights during pregnancy and at admission for delivery. Observed weights were fitted to a mixed effects mode...

Research paper thumbnail of Adherence to recommended physical activity restrictions due to threatened preterm delivery – a descriptive multi-center study

BMC Pregnancy and Childbirth, Jan 24, 2023

Background Threatened preterm delivery is a serious obstetrical complication and has for decades ... more Background Threatened preterm delivery is a serious obstetrical complication and has for decades been prescribed physical activity restrictions (AR). Adherence to the recommended level of physical AR is however unknown. This study aimed to assess the objectively measured different physical positions and activities of pregnant women recommended AR due to threatened preterm delivery complications, compared to a reference group of uncomplicated pregnant women without restrictions, and to explore if admission status influenced adherence to AR. Methods A Danish descriptive, clinical multi-center study included singleton pregnancies between 22-33 gestational weeks admitted to an antenatal ward or during midwife consultations either prescribed AR due to threatened preterm delivery or uncomplicated controls without restrictions. For seven days participants wore two tri-axial accelerometric SENS ® monitors. Accelerometric data included time spent in five different positions, activities, and step counts. At inclusion demographic and obstetric information was collected. Results Seventy-two pregnant women participated; 31% were prescribed strict AR, 15% moderate, 3% light, 8% unspecified, and 43% had no AR. Strict AR participants rested in the supine/lateral position for 17.7 median hours/day (range:9.6-24.0); sat upright 4.9 h/day (0.11-11.7); took 1,520steps/day (20-5,482), and 64% were inpatients. Moderate AR participants rested in the supine/lateral position for 15.1 h/day (11.5-21.6); sat upright 5.6 h/day (2.0-9.3); took 3,310steps/day (467-6,968), and 64% were outpatients. Participants with no AR rested 10.5 h/day (6.3-15.4) in supine/ lateral position; sat upright 7.6 h/day (0.1-11.4) and took 9,235steps/day (3,225-20,818). Compared to no restrictions, participants with strict or moderate AR spent significant more time in physical resting positions and took significant fewer mean steps. Among strict AR admission status did not alter time spent in the physical positions, nor the step count. Conclusions Overall, participants adhered highly to the recommended AR. However, discriminating between strict and moderate AR recommendations did not alter how physical resting positions and activities were carried out. The admission status did not influence how participants adhered to strict AR.

Research paper thumbnail of Methods to Estimate Energy Expenditure, Physical Activity, and Sedentary Time in Pregnant Women: A Validation Study Using Doubly Labeled Water

Journal for the measurement of physical behaviour, 2023

Research paper thumbnail of Physical activity in pregnancy: a mixed methods process evaluation of the FitMum randomised controlled trial interventions

BMC Public Health

Background Physical activity (PA) at moderate intensity is recommended for healthy pregnant women... more Background Physical activity (PA) at moderate intensity is recommended for healthy pregnant women. The three-arm FitMum randomised controlled trial showed that it was possible to increase PA level during pregnancy with structured supervised exercise training (EXE) compared to standard care. Motivational counselling on PA (MOT) did not increase PA. This process evaluation aims to understand the implementation and mechanisms of impact of EXE and MOT. Methods A mixed methods process evaluation was conducted using the UK Medical Research Council’s process evaluation framework by assessing implementation (reach, fidelity, and dose) and mechanisms of impact of the two interventions provided to pregnant women in FitMum. Data was collected both quantitatively (n = 220) and qualitatively (n = 20). Results The FitMum trial reached educated pregnant women (80% having an educational level ≥ bachelor’s degree) with high autonomy of everyday life. Most participants (58%) were recruited at their f...

Research paper thumbnail of Effects of Structured Supervised Exercise Training or Motivational Counseling on Pregnant Women’s Physical Activity Level: FitMum - Randomized Controlled Trial

Journal of Medical Internet Research

Background Physical activity (PA) during pregnancy is an effective and safe way to improve matern... more Background Physical activity (PA) during pregnancy is an effective and safe way to improve maternal health in uncomplicated pregnancies. However, compliance with PA recommendations remains low among pregnant women. Objective The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of offering structured supervised exercise training (EXE) or motivational counseling on PA (MOT) during pregnancy on moderate-to-vigorous intensity physical activity (MVPA) level. Additionally, complementary measures of PA using the Pregnancy Physical Activity Questionnaire (PPAQ) and gold standard doubly labeled water (DLW) technique were investigated. The hypotheses were that both EXE and MOT would increase MVPA in pregnancy compared with standard care (CON) and that EXE would be more effective than MOT. In addition, the association between MVPA and the number of sessions attended was explored. Methods A randomized controlled trial included 220 healthy, inactive pregnant women with a median gestational age ...

Research paper thumbnail of Case report of COVID-19 in pregnancy and viral presence in the vagina -- recommendations for obstetric practice

Research paper thumbnail of Pregnant womeńs views on the timing of prophylactic antibiotics during caesarean delivery: A qualitative semi-structured interview study

European Journal of Obstetrics & Gynecology and Reproductive Biology, 2021

OBJECTIVE To gain insight into pregnant women's preferences if given a choice between getting... more OBJECTIVE To gain insight into pregnant women's preferences if given a choice between getting antibiotic prophylaxis before or after cord clamping during caesarean delivery. STUDY DESIGN A qualitative semi-structured interview-study. The interviews were conducted at a Danish Hospital, with about 4000 deliveries a year. Fourteen individual semi-structured interviews were conducted with pregnant women, either considering or having a planned caesarean section, or scheduled for induction due to post-term gestational age. A systematic text condensation approach was used to analyze the transcribed interviews. RESULTS Ten of the fourteen women favored antibiotic administration after cord clamping. Despite any adverse effects to the infant's microbiota and increased risk of long-term health outcomes were only hypothetical and the risk reduction in postpartum infections being well documented, they did not want to expose their offspring to antibiotics. Those who preferred antibiotic prophylaxis before cord clamping were concerned, if they would be able to care for the infant in case of a maternal infection. Three of the women preferring antibiotics after cord clamping said they would potentially change preference, if the maternal risk was higher. Most women preferred to be informed of the use of prophylactic antibiotic and that the timing has consequences for trans-placental exposure to the infant. CONCLUSIONS With most of the interviewed women preferring antibiotic administration after cord clamping, we suggest patients should be involved in the decision regarding timing of prophylactic antibiotics before caesarean section.

Research paper thumbnail of Cross-cultural adaption, translation and reliability tests of the Danish version of the Pregnancy Exercise Self-Efficacy Scale

Sexual & Reproductive Healthcare, 2020

This is a PDF file of an article that has undergone enhancements after acceptance, such as the ad... more This is a PDF file of an article that has undergone enhancements after acceptance, such as the addition of a cover page and metadata, and formatting for readability, but it is not yet the definitive version of record. This version will undergo additional copyediting, typesetting and review before it is published in its final form, but we are providing this version to give early visibility of the article. Please note that, during the production process, errors may be discovered which could affect the content, and all legal disclaimers that apply to the journal pertain.

Research paper thumbnail of A prospective cohort study of confirmed severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2) infection during pregnancy evaluating SARS‐CoV‐2 antibodies in maternal and umbilical cord blood and SARS‐CoV‐2 in vaginal swabs

Acta Obstetricia et Gynecologica Scandinavica, 2021

IntroductionEvidence about the consequences of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (S... more IntroductionEvidence about the consequences of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2) infection in pregnancy is rapidly increasing; however, data on antibody response and risk of transmission during pregnancy and delivery are still limited. The aim of this study was to evaluate if SARS‐CoV‐2 is detectable in vaginal swabs and whether antibodies against SARS‐CoV‐2 are present in maternal and umbilical cord blood of pregnant women with confirmed SARS‐CoV‐2.Material and methodsA single‐unit prospective cohort study in Denmark including pregnant women with SARS‐CoV‐2 infection confirmed by a pharyngeal swab between August 20, 2020, and March 1, 2021, who gave birth during the same period. All patients admitted to the maternity ward and antepartum clinic were screened for SARS‐CoV‐2 infection. A maternal blood sample and vaginal swabs were collected at inclusion. If included antepartum, these samples were repeated intrapartum when an umbilical cord blood sample was ...

Research paper thumbnail of The prevalence of sick leave: Reasons and associated predictors – A survey among employed pregnant women

Sexual & Reproductive Healthcare, 2018

We aimed to investigate the prevalence of sick leave and self-reported reasons given for sick lea... more We aimed to investigate the prevalence of sick leave and self-reported reasons given for sick leave during pregnancy. Furthermore, we aimed to estimate the frequency of long-term sick leave during pregnancy in relation to pre-baseline maternal characteristics and to identify predictors of long-term sick leave. Method: Data from 508 employed pregnant women seeking antenatal care was collected by questionnaires from August 2015 to March 2016. The questionnaires, which were filled in at 20 and 32 weeks of gestation, provided information on maternal characteristics, the number of days spent on sick leave and the associated reasons. Descriptive statistics and logistic regression analysis were applied. Results: The prevalence of sick leave was 56% of employed pregnant women in the first 32 weeks of gestation and more than one in four reported long-term sick leave (> 20 days, continuous or intermittent). Low back pain was the reason most frequently stated. Fewer than one in ten stated that their sick leave was due to work-related conditions. Positive predictors of long-term sick leave were multiparity, pre-pregnancy low back pain and mental disease, while an advanced degree education was a negative predictor. Conclusions: The prevalence of sick leave was 56% in the first 32 weeks of gestation and more than one in four women reported long-term sick leave. The majority of reasons for sick leave were pregnancy-related and low back pain was the most frequently given reason.

Research paper thumbnail of Structured supervised exercise training or motivational counselling during pregnancy on physical activity level and health of mother and offspring: FitMum study protocol

BMJ Open, 2021

IntroductionA physically active lifestyle during pregnancy improves maternal and offspring health... more IntroductionA physically active lifestyle during pregnancy improves maternal and offspring health but can be difficult to follow. In Denmark, less than 40% of pregnant women meet physical activity (PA) recommendations. The FitMum study aims to explore strategies to increase PA during pregnancy among women with low PA and assess the health effects of PA. This paper presents the FitMum protocol, which evaluates the effects of structured supervised exercise training or motivational counselling supported by health technology during pregnancy on PA level and health of mother and offspring.Methods and analysisA single-site three-arm randomised controlled trial that aims to recruit 220 healthy, pregnant women with gestational age (GA) no later than week 15 and whose PA level does not exceed one hour/week. Participants are randomised to one of three groups: structured supervised exercise training consisting of three weekly exercise sessions, motivational counselling supported by health tech...

Research paper thumbnail of Low back pain intensity among childbearing women and associated predictors. A cohort study

Women and Birth

Background: Low back pain is a common condition among childbearing women, causing physical disabi... more Background: Low back pain is a common condition among childbearing women, causing physical disability and an increased risk of sick leave and obstetric complications. Aims: To assess the prevalence and intensity of low back pain during pregnancy, to describe the physical disability and sick leave in relation to the severity of low back pain and to identify predictors of moderate to severe low back pain in socio-demographic, health and obstetric characteristics among childbearing women. Methods: A cohort study was undertaken (n = 566) during August 2015 to March 2016. Questionnaires were used to obtain information about low back pain intensity, physical disability due to low back pain and sick leave at 20 and 32 weeks of gestation. Of the 654 eligible women, 87% completed the first questionnaire. Findings: Three out of four reported any low back pain at 20 weeks of gestation, and nine out of ten women at 32 weeks. Of these women, one in three reported moderate to severe pain at 20 weeks, increasing to half of the women at 32 weeks. Both sick leave and physical disability increased with increasing low back pain scores. Pre-pregnancy low back pain, multiparity and lower level of education were all identified as predictors of moderate to severe low back pain. Conclusions: Women with pre-pregnancy low back pain, multiparity and lower level of education, represent the group of women with the highest risk of moderate to severe low back pain during pregnancy and should be payed special attention.

Research paper thumbnail of Changing prevalence and the risk factors for antenatal obstetric hospitalizations in Denmark 2003-2012

Clinical Epidemiology, 2016

Population-based studies evaluating the use and extent of antenatal obstetric hospitalizations (A... more Population-based studies evaluating the use and extent of antenatal obstetric hospitalizations (AOH) are sparse. The objective of the present study was to describe the prevalence, time trend, and risk factors for AOH in Denmark. Materials and methods: A retrospective national register-based cohort study was conducted that included all pregnancies with delivery after 22 gestational weeks in Denmark from 2003 to 2012. The outcomes were AOH and the diagnoses leading to these hospitalizations. AOH was defined as an antenatal hospitalization for at least 1 day with at least one obstetric International Classification of Diseases-10 diagnosis and admission date more than 3 days before delivery. Results: The study included 617,906 pregnancies; 48,366 (7.8%) pregnancies were associated with 64,072 AOH before delivery. The percentage of pregnancies with AOH decreased from 8.6% to 7.1%. The median length of stay decreased from 3 to 2 days, and admission for at least 7 days was almost halved. Threatened preterm delivery was the most frequent diagnostic category for AOH. A decline was seen in all diagnostic categories except maternal diseases. Significant risk factors for AOH were multiple pregnancies, low or high maternal age and body mass index, nulliparity, lower educational levels, unemployment or being outside the workforce, single partner status, and smoking. The relative risk of very preterm delivery before gestational age of 34 weeks was higher in pregnancies with AOH compared with pregnancies without AOH (relative risk 15.2; 95% confidence interval: 14.6-15.8). Conclusion: This study shows a shift toward less use and shorter duration of antenatal hospitalization in Denmark. The most common indication used in pregnancies with AOH was threatened preterm delivery, and more than one-third resulted in very preterm deliveries.

Research paper thumbnail of Induction of labor with high‐ or low‐dosage oral misoprostol – a Danish descriptive retrospective cohort study 2015‐16

Acta Obstetricia et Gynecologica Scandinavica

Research paper thumbnail of Pregnant women's management of activity restriction during hospitalisation – A question of yielding and not feeling deprived of a sense of control

Journal of Neonatal Nursing, 2014

Background: Maternal activity restriction (AR) is an obstetric intervention recommended to preven... more Background: Maternal activity restriction (AR) is an obstetric intervention recommended to prevent preterm birth, despite limited evidence of treatment effect and obvious adverse effects. Some pregnant women manage AR well, others poorly. Aim: We aimed to explain why pregnant women respond differently to AR. Methods: Using grounded theory, pregnant women were interviewed during inpatient AR. Results: Being without a sense of control was identified as core category which was shared by all the women, yet less stressful to manage when yielded in a selfdetermined way rather than experienced as involuntarily deprived. Good or poor management depended on five challenging dimensions: Having to find meaning, Being in a helpless and dependent state, Having to put aside personal values, Tolerating limitations of freedom and Having confidence in the AR therapy. Conclusion: Identification of the challenging dimensions of AR can guide health care providers in tailoring their support to each individual woman's reaction.

Research paper thumbnail of Expectant management of PPROM and major complications before planned delivery: A retrospective cohort study

Journal of obstetrics and gynaecology : the journal of the Institute of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Jan 17, 2014

Women with pre-term pre-labour rupture of membranes (PPROM) 22-33 weeks' gestation were inclu... more Women with pre-term pre-labour rupture of membranes (PPROM) 22-33 weeks' gestation were included in a retrospective cohort study with a structured audit to identify risk factors of major complications following PPROM and to assess whether these complications are predictable. Of the 234 women analysed, 106 (45%) delivered within three days. Eighty-four women (36%) had at least one major complication and 45% of these complications occurred within three days. The complication rate was 64% in early PPROM before 28 weeks' gestation and 11% in late PPROM at 28 weeks' gestation or later. Nulliparous women had an increased risk of major complications (adjusted hazards ratio: 3.07 (95% confidence interval: 1.28-7.37)). The complication rates were highest in early PPROM and during the first three days after PPROM. Multiparous women with late PPROM, who do not deliver within the first three days, have the lowest risk of major complications and are suitable for home care.