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Self-rated physical activity level during the second trimester and pregnancy outcome
N C Rose1, J E Haddow, G E Palomaki
1Foundation for Blood Research, Scarborough, Maine.
Obstetrics and Gynecology
|December 1, 1991
Summary
This study found that vigorous physical activity during pregnancy did not significantly impact pregnancy outcomes like low birth weight or fetal death. Moderate activity levels were most common among pregnant women, with no adverse effects noted.
Area of Science:
- Obstetrics and Gynecology
- Public Health
- Exercise Science
Background:
- Physical activity during pregnancy is a key factor in maternal and infant health.
- Understanding the impact of different activity levels on pregnancy outcomes is crucial for clinical guidance.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between the level of physical activity during pregnancy and subsequent pregnancy outcomes.
- To determine if vigorous physical activity poses risks to pregnancy outcomes.
Main Methods:
- A cohort of 21,342 women undergoing maternal serum alpha-fetoprotein (MSAFP) screening from 1984-1988 were surveyed.
- Participants self-reported their usual physical activity level as light, moderate, or vigorous.
- Pregnancy outcomes, including low birth weight and fetal/neonatal death, were analyzed in relation to activity levels.
Main Results:
- Vigorous physical activity was reported by 6% of women, moderate by 84%, and light by 10%.
- Women reporting vigorous activity were slightly older, more educated, and had lower pre-pregnancy weight.
- No significant differences in rates of low birth weight, fetal death, or neonatal death were observed across activity groups.
Conclusions:
- Self-reported vigorous physical activity during pregnancy is not associated with adverse pregnancy outcomes.
- Moderate physical activity is the most common level reported by pregnant women.
- Further research could explore specific types of vigorous activities and their nuanced effects.