Physical Activity Patterns and Factors Related to Exercise during Pregnancy: A Cross Sectional Study (original) (raw)
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Physical Activity Assessment During Gestation and Its Outcomes: A Review
Background: Physical activity recommendations emphasize a positive influence of exercise on health. It is particularly recognized during pregnancy for both the mother and fetus. Aim: This review aims to identify the main trends of activity undertaken by women during gestation and to find out how it affects the expecting mother and her child. Methods: Review of the literature comprising the following databases: PubMed, Academic Search Complete, Health Source—Consumer Edition, Health Source: Nursing/Academic Edition, EMBASE (2000 to May 2013), used detailed search strategies. The review was restricted to experimental studies. Trials were excluded if they met any of the following criteria: reviews, letters, commentaries or editorials, only abstracts available, and any kind of pathology during pregnancy. Three assessors reviewed the titles, abstracts, and full articles using standardized data abstraction forms, and they assessed the study quality. A total of 474 potential articles remained for analyses. Findings: Twenty-eight articles were eligible for inclusion in the present review: randomized controlled trials and observational studies that evaluated maternal and offspring outcomes as a result of physical activity during pregnancy. Quasi-randomized trials were excluded. The activities that were most frequently assessed included occupational activity, housework/caregiving, sport/exercise, and active living, as well as habits. The authors evaluated different types of physical activity in the loading conditions. The aerobic activities most frequently used for assessment included treadmill walking program; step aerobics or stair stepper; aerobics; bicycle ergometer; combination of rowing, stationary cycling, and walk jogging; rhythmic calisthenics class and step class; brisk walks; stretching; and relaxation. The benefits following being active during pregnancy are associated with improved maternal psychological well-being, a reduced risk of preterm birth and excessive gestational weight gain, and lower risk of birth-related complications. Conclusions: Patterns of activity change during pregnancy. Although exercise is safe for both the mother and fetus, most women reduce their activity level during the first weeks of gestation. Specifically, physical activity tends to be of lower duration, frequency, and intensity. Therefore, women should be encouraged by professionals to initiate or continue exercising during a healthy pregnancy. Target Audience: Obstetricians and gynecologists, family physicians. Learning Objectives: After completing this activity, the learner should be better able to identify the main trends among pregnant women in terms of physical activity, investigate the main benefits following exercising during pregnancy, recognize the most popular forms of physical activity in pregnant population, and realize health professionals to make women more aware of the importance of exercise.
Patterns of physical activity across pregnancy and adverse pregnancy outcomes
Caspian Journal of Reproductive Medicine, 2018
Background: This study aimed to identify patterns of physical activity in pregnancy contributions to the development of adverse pregnancy outcomes. Methods: In a prospective study, physical activity of 374 pregnant women was measured using Pregnancy Physical Activity Questionnaire (PPAQ) during the first half and the second half of pregnancy. Pregnancy outcomes were recorded as birth weight, preterm delivery, hypertension without proteinuria, preeclampsia, mode of delivery, and gestational diabetes. Results: There was a significant decrease in values of self-reported physical activity from the first half of pregnancy to the second half of pregnancy in light (P <0.001), moderate (P <0.001), vigorous (P= 0.029), total (P <0.001) intensity. The women with the highest tertile of total physical activity in the first half of pregnancy had significantly lower adjusted odds (OR: 0.07, 95% CI: 0.02-0.32) of having a macrosomia newborn and higher adjusted odds (OR: 6.44, 95% CI: 1.38-30.14) of having a low birth weight infant. The risks of cesarean section for women in the highest category of total physical activity in the second half of pregnancy was higher those in the lower and lowest category (OR: 1.89, 95% CI: 0.29-3.36). Conclusion: It is necessary to emphasis on physical activity guideline for reduction of pregnancy complications.
Exercise During Pregnancy: The Role of Obstetric Providers
Journal of osteopathic medicine, 2013
Context: Obstetric providers are logical choices for conveying information about physical activity to their pregnant patients. However, research regarding obstetric providers counseling pregnant patients about physical activity is sparse. Objectives: To investigate the association between obstetric providers discussing exercise with their pregnant patients and patients' exercise behaviors and to explore factors related to obstetric providers discussing exercise and other health behaviors (tobacco use, alcohol use, and nutrition) with their patients. Methods: We received completed surveys from 238 pregnant women and 31 obstetric providers at 12 obstetrician offices. The offices were located throughout the United States and were heterogeneous in regards to patient insurance coverage, number of patients treated per month, and percentage of patients with complications. Results: Women who were "more careful about eating healthy" (odds ratio [OR], 3.1; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.2-8.0) and who discussed exercise with their obstetric provider (OR, 2.2; 95% CI, 1.1-4.3) were more likely to "maintain or increase exercise" during pregnancy than those who were not conscientious about their diets and those who did not discuss exercise with their obstetric provider, respectively. The odds of obstetric providers discussing exercise with pregnant patients increased 7-fold (OR, 7.1; 95% CI, 1.4-37.3) for each health behavior the obstetric provider discussed with the patient. Conclusion: Patient discussions with obstetric providers about exercise and patient attention to eating habits are associated with exercising during pregnancy. A more multibehavioral approach by obstetric providers may improve the likelihood that patients exercise during pregnancy.
Exercise during pregnancy: a practical approach
Current sports medicine reports, 2003
Attitudes toward exercise during pregnancy have changed dramatically over the past 20 years. Recent studies show that, in most cases, exercise is safe for both the mother and fetus during pregnancy, and support the recommendation to initiate or continue exercise in most pregnancies. This report discusses the rationale behind the changes, and offers educational tools that may be employed to initiate behavioral change. We also propose exercise prescriptions for pregnant women who are sedentary, physically active, and competitive athletes. Armed with this information, the practitioner will be better equipped to counsel patients and incorporate a discussion on physical activity into prenatal visits.
Journal of Clinical Medicine, 2020
We studied the influence of pregnancy exercise on maternal/offspring cardiometabolic health until delivery and at follow-up. We pooled data from two randomized controlled trials from our group that were performed following the same methodology (one unpublished). We also collected follow-up data de novo from the participants of both trials and their offspring. In total, 1348 women with uncomplicated, singleton gestations were assigned to an intervention (n = 688, performing a supervised, moderate-intensity exercise program (three sessions/week)) or control group (n = 660). Maternal outcomes were excessive gestational weight gain (EGWG), gestational hypertension/diabetes and, at follow-up, return to pre-pregnancy weight within six months, hypertension, overweight/obesity, and other cardiometabolic conditions. Offspring outcomes were macrosomia and low-birthweight and, at follow-up, overweight/obesity, low-weight, and cardiometabolic conditions. Adherence to the intervention, which pro...
Physical Activity in Pregnancy: Women's Perceptions, Practices, and Influencing Factors
Journal of Midwifery & Women's Health, 2010
Introduction: Evidence shows that physical activity during and after pregnancy results in health gains for women. There is no clear understanding apparent in the literature of women's experiences with physical activity during their pregnancy. The aim of this study was to describe women's perceptions and participation in physical activity during pregnancy and identify factors influencing participation.
Exercise and Physical Activity Levels and Associated Factors Among High-Risk Pregnant Women
Revista Brasileira de Ginecologia e Obstetrícia / RBGO Gynecology and Obstetrics, 2022
Objective To assess the levels of physical activity and exercise practice, and examine the associated maternal characteristics; as well as the anxiety levels of high-risk pregnant women. Methods A cross-sectional study conducted with pregnant women at a High-risk Prenatal Clinic (HRPC) in a tertiary maternity. Pregnant women of 18 to 40-years-old, with a single fetus, and with gestational age up to 38 weeks were included. The level of physical activity and exercise practice of the study's participants were investigated using the Pregnancy Physical Activity Questionnaire (PPAQ). Maternal sociodemographic, anthropometric, and medical data were investigated using a specific form. For anxiety levels, the short version of the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI) was applied. We used the Student t-test, chi-square test, odds ratio (OR) with 95% confidence interval (95% CI) and multiple logistic regression. The significance level was 5%. Results Among the 109 pregnant women included, 8...
Physical Activity and Pregnancy: Past and Present Evidence and Future Recommendations
Research Quarterly for Exercise and Sport, 2012
Purpose-This review provides researchers and practitioners with an overview of the physical activity and pregnancy literature to promote prenatal physical activity, improve measurement, further elucidate the role of activity in reducing maternal health complications, and inform future research. Methods-We examined past and present physical activity and pregnancy studies and highlight key papers with a particular focus on maternal health outcomes to best inform physical activity promotion efforts. Results-This review discusses: (a) historical overview of prenatal physical activity with a specific focus on the physical activity guidelines, how they have changed over time, and how evidence of the effect of prenatal activity on maternal/fetal health outcomes has impacted clinical recommendations; (b) existing tools and challenges associated with measuring prenatal physical activity; (c) empirical evidence on the multi-level determinants of prenatal activity to help guide future intervention work; (d) empirical evidence of prenatal activity on adverse maternal outcomes (gestational diabetes mellitus, preeclampsia, excessive gestational weight gain) from observational and intervention studies; and (e) summary/recommendations for future research and practice. Conclusions-The physical activity and pregnancy literature has evolved over the past 50 years and there is currently sufficient empirical evidence to support the promotion of moderate to vigorous prenatal physical activity for maternal health benefits. Future studies and interventions should be carefully-designed, theoretically driven, and include validated and reliable measures of activity. Researchers and practitioners should also consider the multifaceted determinants and outcomes of prenatal physical activity and intervening to promote physical activity before, during, and after pregnancy.
Exercise in pregnant women and birth weight: a randomized controlled trial
BMC Pregnancy and Childbirth, 2011
Background: Birth weight plays an important role in infant mortality and morbidity, childhood development, and adult health. To date there are contradictory results regarding the role of physical activity on birth weight. In addition, it is questioned whether exercise during second and third trimesters of pregnancy might affect gestational age and increase the risk of preterm delivery. Hence, the purpose of this study was to examine the effect of a supervised exercise-program on birth weight, gestational age at delivery and Apgar-score. Methods: Sedentary, nulliparous pregnant women (N = 105), mean age 30.7 ± 4.0 years, pre-pregnancy BMI 23.8 ± 4.3 were randomized to either an exercise group (EG, n = 52) or a control group (CG, n = 53). The exercise program consisted of supervised aerobic dance and strength training for 60 minutes, twice per week for a minimum of 12 weeks, with an additional 30 minutes of self-imposed physical activity on the non-supervised week-days.
Exercise in pregnancy and the postpartum period
Journal of obstetrics and gynaecology Canada : JOGC = Journal d'obstétrique et gynécologie du Canada : JOGC, 2003
To design Canadian guidelines advising obstetric care providers of the maternal, fetal, and neonatal implications of aerobic and strength-conditioning exercises in pregnancy. Knowledge of the impact of exercise on maternal, fetal, and neonatal morbidity, and of the maternal measures of fitness. MEDLINE search from 1966 to 2002 for English-language articles related to studies of maternal aerobic and strength conditioning in a previously sedentary population, maternal aerobic and strength conditioning in a previously active population, impact of aerobic and strength conditioning on early and late pregnancy outcomes, and impact of aerobic and strength conditioning on neonatal outcomes, as well as for review articles and meta-analyses related to exercise in pregnancy. The evidence collected was reviewed by the Society of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists of Canada (SOGC Clinical Practice Obstetrics Committee) with representation from the Canadian Society for Exercise Physiology, and quan...