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Influence of Physical Activity during Pregnancy on Birth Weight: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized

Dingfeng Zhang1, Taniya S Nagpal2, Cristina Silva-José1

  • 1AFIPE Research Group, Faculty of Physical Activity and Sport Sciences-INEF, Universidad Politécnica de Madrid, 28040 Madrid, Spain.

Journal of Clinical Medicine
|August 26, 2023
PubMed

Insights

Physical activity during pregnancy significantly reduces the risk of macrosomia (large birth weight). Promoting exercise in pregnancy supports healthy fetal development and may prevent future chronic diseases like obesity.

Area of Science:

  • Obstetrics and Gynecology
  • Perinatal Health
  • Public Health

Background:

  • Birth weight is a critical indicator of newborn health and future disease risk.
  • Interventions during pregnancy aim to optimize birth weight.
  • Physical activity is recommended for fetal development and appropriate birth weight.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To systematically review and meta-analyze the effect of physical activity during pregnancy on birth outcomes.
  • To assess the impact on birth weight, macrosomia, low birth weight, and gestational age classifications.

Main Methods:

  • Systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.
  • Included 63 studies involving 16,524 pregnant women.
  • Analyzed outcomes including birth weight, macrosomia, and low birth weight.

Main Results:

  • A significant negative association was found between physical activity in pregnancy and macrosomia (RR = 0.79, 95% CI = 0.63, 0.98).
  • No other significant relationships were observed for other birth weight outcomes.
  • The heterogeneity among studies for macrosomia was low (I² = 29%).

Conclusions:

  • Physical activity during pregnancy may reduce the incidence of macrosomia.
  • Promoting exercise in pregnancy can contribute to appropriate birth weights.
  • This may help mitigate risks of future chronic diseases, such as obesity.

Keywords:
birth weightgestational agelow birth weightmacrosomiaphysical activitypregnancy

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