Physical Activity during Pregnancy and Childhood Obesity: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Area of Science:

• Obstetrics and Gynecology
• Pediatrics
• Public Health

Background:

• Childhood overweight and obesity have significant physiological, psychological, and emotional consequences.
• The impact of maternal physical activity (PA) during pregnancy on childhood obesity risk is not fully understood.

Purpose of the Study:

• To systematically evaluate the existing literature on the influence of gestational physical activity on childhood overweight and obesity risk.

Main Methods:

• A comprehensive literature search was conducted, including only randomized controlled trials (RCTs).
• Data from 30 RCTs involving 16,137 pregnant women were analyzed.
• Five meta-analyses were performed to assess the effects of maternal PA on childhood obesity determinants.

Main Results:

• Meta-analyses indicated favorable trends for physical activity during pregnancy regarding childhood overweight and obesity parameters.
• No statistically significant differences were found in birth weight, Ponderal Index, Macrosomia, Large for Gestational Age, children's BMI, weight, or skinfold thicknesses.

Conclusions:

• Physical activity during pregnancy demonstrates a positive association with parameters related to childhood overweight and obesity.
• Maternal physical activity during pregnancy does not appear to have adverse effects on childhood weight outcomes.