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Exercise during pregnancy and the gestational age distribution: a cohort study
Katrine Mari Owe1, Wenche Nystad, Rolv Skjaerven
1Department of Sport Medicine, Norwegian School of Sport Sciences, Oslo, NORWAY. katrine.owe@nih.no
Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise
|December 7, 2011
Summary
Regular exercise during pregnancy, particularly 3-5 times weekly, is linked to longer gestational age (GA). This exercise pattern reduces preterm births but may slightly increase postterm births.
Area of Science:
- Obstetrics and Gynecology
- Public Health
- Exercise Science
Background:
- Gestational age (GA) is a critical determinant of neonatal outcomes.
- Understanding the impact of maternal lifestyle factors, such as exercise, on GA is essential for optimizing pregnancy health.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between exercise timing and frequency during pregnancy and gestational age.
- To analyze the effects of maternal exercise on preterm and postterm birth risks.
Main Methods:
- A population-based cohort study of 61,098 singleton pregnancies in Norway (2000-2006).
- Self-reported exercise data collected via questionnaires at 17 and 30 weeks of gestation.
- Logistic regression and general linear models used to analyze GA and birth outcomes.
Main Results:
- Exercising 3-5 times/week at 17 weeks was associated with a mean GA increase of 0.17 weeks (p < 0.001).
- Exercise was linked to reduced preterm birth risk (aOR 0.74-0.82) but a slight increase in postterm birth risk (aOR 1.14-1.15).
- No significant difference in mean GA was observed based on the type of exercise performed.
Conclusions:
- Exercise during pregnancy positively influences gestational age distribution, leading to fewer preterm births.
- While beneficial for reducing preterm births, exercise may slightly increase the likelihood of postterm births.
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Exercise stress testing, commonly known as a treadmill test, is a noninvasive procedure used to evaluate cardiovascular function and diagnose heart conditions.
Definition
An exercise stress test measures the heart's response to exertion using a treadmill or stationary bicycle. Chest electrodes record the heart's electrical activity through an ECG, and blood pressure is monitored regularly.
Purposes