Related Experiment Video
Updated: Apr 22, 2026
Physical Activity Measurement in Children Accepting Table Tennis Training
Published on: July 27, 2022
The relationship of objectively measured physical activity and sedentary behaviour with gestational weight gain and
Anneloes E Ruifrok1, Ellen Althuizen2, Nicolette Oostdam2
1Department of Obstetrics, Gynaecology and Fertility, Faculty of Medicine, University of Amsterdam (AMC-UvA), Meibergdreef 9, 1105 AZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands ; Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Faculty of Medicine, VU University Medical Center, P.O. Box 7057, 1007 MB Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
Insights
This study found no link between moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) or sedentary behavior and gestational weight gain or birth weight. Encouraging regular physical activity in pregnant women is important for overall health, with no apparent adverse effects on birth outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Obstetrics and Gynecology
- Maternal-Fetal Medicine
- Public Health
Background:
- Gestational weight gain (GWG) and birth weight are critical indicators of maternal and infant health.
- Physical activity (PA) and sedentary behavior are modifiable factors that may influence pregnancy outcomes.
- Current recommendations for PA in pregnancy exist, but adherence and impact on GWG and birth weight require further investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the relationship between physical activity (PA) and sedentary behavior with gestational weight gain (GWG) and birth weight in pregnant women.
- To analyze data from two prospective studies encompassing diverse pregnant populations.
Main Methods:
- Combined data from 111 nulliparous and overweight/obese pregnant women.
- Assessed daily PA and sedentary behavior using accelerometers at 15 and 32-35 weeks of gestation.
- Determined associations between moderate-to-vigorous PA (MVPA) and sedentary time with GWG and birth weight.
Main Results:
- A low percentage of women met recommended PA levels (32% early pregnancy, 12% late pregnancy).
- No significant associations were observed between MVPA or sedentary behavior and GWG.
- No significant associations were observed between MVPA or sedentary behavior and birth weight.
Conclusions:
- Physical activity levels and sedentary behavior did not show a significant relationship with GWG or birth weight in this cohort.
- The low adherence to PA recommendations highlights a need for improved education and support for pregnant women.
- Maintaining regular physical activity during pregnancy is encouraged for maternal health benefits without negative impacts on birth weight.
Objective:
To evaluate the relationship of physical activity (PA) and sedentary behaviour with gestational weight gain (GWG) and birth weight.
Design:
Combined data from two prospective studies: (1) nulliparous pregnant women without BMI restrictions and (2) overweight and obese pregnant women at risk for gestational diabetes.
Methods:
Daily PA and sedentary behaviour were measured with an accelerometer around 15 and at 32-35 weeks of gestation. The association between time spent in moderate-to-vigorous PA (MVPA) and in sedentary activities with GWG and birth weight was determined. Main outcome measures were GWG between 15 and 32 weeks of gestation, average GWG per week, and birth weight.
Results:
We studied 111 women. Early in pregnancy, 32% of women spent ≥ 30 minutes/day in at least moderate PA versus 12% in late pregnancy. No significant associations were found between time spent in MVPA or sedentary behaviour with GWG or birth weight.
Conclusions:
We found no relation between MVPA and sedentary behaviour with GWG or birth weight. The small percentage of women meeting the recommended levels of PA indicates the need to inform and support pregnant women to maintain regular PA, as there seems to be no adverse effect on birth weight and maintaining PA increases overall health.
Related Concept Videos
01:52Regression Toward the Mean
01:20Pathophysiology of Diabetes
Type 1 diabetes is characterized by autoimmune-mediated destruction of pancreatic β cells, with environmental factors potentially triggering this process in genetically susceptible individuals. Despite many not having a family history, certain genes increase susceptibility,...