Low-intensity Physical Activity is Associated with Lower Maternal Systemic Inflammation during Late Pregnancy

Area of Science:

• Obstetrics and Gynecology
• Reproductive Health
• Maternal-Fetal Medicine

Background:

• Excessive maternal inflammation during pregnancy is linked to metabolic complications in mothers and newborns.
• Maternal physical activity shows promise in mitigating this inflammation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the association between different intensities of maternal physical activity and systemic inflammation during late pregnancy.

Main Methods:

• Maternal physical activity levels (sedentary, light, lifestyle, moderate), fitness, and plasma C-reactive protein (CRP) were measured between 32-37 weeks gestation.
• Spearman Rank Coefficient Correlation analyses were used to examine relationships.

Main Results:

• Plasma CRP concentration was negatively correlated with time spent in light (r=-0.40, p=0.01) and lifestyle (r=-0.31, p=0.03) physical activities.
• No significant association was found with moderate physical activity (r=-0.18, p=0.21).
• Higher CRP levels tended to correlate with increased sedentary time (r=0.27, p=0.06).

Conclusions:

• Low-intensity physical activities like light and lifestyle exercise are associated with reduced maternal inflammation.
• Encouraging pregnant women to adopt more low-intensity activities may improve pregnancy outcomes by decreasing systemic inflammation.