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Recreational exercise and occupational activity during pregnancy and birth weight: a case-control study
1Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, The University of Western Ontario, London, Canada.
American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology
|March 3, 2001
Summary
Excessive or insufficient structured exercise during late pregnancy impacts birth weight. Moderate exercise frequency is associated with healthier birth weights, while extremes increase low birth weight risk.
Area of Science:
- Obstetrics and Gynecology
- Perinatal Health
- Exercise Physiology
Background:
- Birth weight is a critical indicator of infant health and long-term outcomes.
- Maternal lifestyle factors, including physical activity, are known to influence fetal growth.
- Understanding the optimal level of exercise during pregnancy is crucial for promoting healthy birth weights.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the relationship between structured exercise frequency and occupational activity during late pregnancy and infant birth weight.
- To identify potential risks associated with different levels of physical activity in the third trimester.
Main Methods:
- A case-control study design was employed.
- Singleton infants born at or after 34 weeks' gestation without congenital anomalies were included.
- Case subjects (low birth weight) were compared to control subjects using logistic regression analysis of questionnaire data.
Main Results:
- Exercising 5 or more times per week in the third trimester significantly increased the odds of low birth weight (aOR, 4.61).
- Exercising 2 times per week or less also modestly increased the odds of low birth weight (aOR, 2.64).
- Maternal height, pre-pregnancy BMI, weight gain, smoking, and nulliparity were also significant factors.
Conclusions:
- The frequency of structured exercise during the third trimester is a significant determinant of infant birth weight.
- Both very high and very low frequencies of exercise may be associated with adverse birth outcomes.