Association between physical activity in early pregnancy and markers of placental growth and function

It has been suggested that physical activity (PA) can influence the development of the placenta and the risk of placenta-mediated complications of pregnancy. We evaluated the association between PA and early markers of placental development.

Ninety-four nulliparous women were invited to participate in a prospective observational cohort study. Assessment included measurement of placental growth factor (PlGF) and pregnancy-associated plasma protein-A (PAPP-A) concentrations (expressed in multiples of the median), an ultrasound at 11 to 13 weeks for measurement of placental volume and the mean uterine artery (UtA) pulsatility index, and a questionnaire on PA. The association between PA and these markers was evaluated using univariate and multivariate regression analyses.

We found a significantly lower concentration of PlGF and a trend towards lower placenta volume and lower PAPP-A concentration with increased PA frequency. The negative association between PA frequency and PlGF concentration remained significant after adjustment for potential confounding factors.

Our results suggest that PA in early pregnancy could negatively affect placental development. This finding could explain the association between PA and severe preeclampsia. This finding deserves confirmation in a larger cohort.