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Changes in leisure time physical activity during pregnancy compared to the prior year
Carmen Amezcua-Prieto1, Rocío Olmedo-Requena, Eladio Jímenez-Mejías
1Department of Preventive Medicine and Public Health, University of Granada, Avenida de Madrid, 11, 18071 Granada, Spain. carmezcua@ugr.es
Maternal and Child Health Journal
|May 10, 2012
Summary
Pregnancy leads to a significant decrease in leisure time physical activity (LTPA) for women, impacting frequency, duration, and intensity. Many women fail to meet recommended physical activity guidelines during pregnancy.
Area of Science:
- Obstetrics and Gynecology
- Sports Medicine
- Public Health
Background:
- Leisure time physical activity (LTPA) is crucial for maternal health.
- Understanding changes in LTPA during pregnancy is vital for developing targeted interventions.
- Few studies have comprehensively quantified LTPA modifications throughout early pregnancy.
Purpose of the Study:
- To quantify changes in the type, frequency, duration, and intensity of LTPA during the first half of pregnancy compared to the year prior.
- To assess the proportion of pregnant women meeting physical activity recommendations before and during gestation.
Main Methods:
- A cross-sectional study involving 1,175 healthy pregnant women at 20-22 weeks gestation.
- LTPA was quantified using metabolic equivalents based on reported activity frequency, intensity, and duration.
- The McNemar-Bowker symmetry test was employed to analyze changes in LTPA parameters.
Main Results:
- A decrease in overall LTPA was observed during pregnancy compared to the pre-pregnancy year.
- The percentage of women meeting LTPA recommendations dropped from 27.5% pre-pregnancy to 19.4% during pregnancy.
- Walking showed a slight increase, while other LTPA types, including moderate-intensity activities, decreased in frequency, duration, and intensity.
Conclusions:
- Pregnancy is associated with a significant reduction in leisure time physical activity.
- A notable proportion of women transition from meeting to not meeting physical activity guidelines during pregnancy.
- Interventions promoting sustained physical activity throughout pregnancy are warranted.
