Correlates of Physical Activity at Two Time Points During Pregnancy

Abstract

Background Correlates of prenatal physical activity can inform interventions, but are not well-understood. Methods Participants in the Pregnancy, Infection, and Nutrition 3 Study were recruited before 20 weeks gestation. Women self-reported frequency, duration, and mode of moderate and vigorous physical activities. We used logistic regression to identify correlates of any physical activity (≥10 minutes/week of any mode), any recreational activity (≥10 minutes/week), and high volume recreational activity (either ≥150 minutes/week of moderate or ≥75 minutes/week of vigorous). Our analysis included 1752 women at 19-weeks gestation and 1722 at 29 weeks. Results Higher education, white race, and enjoyment of physical activity were positively correlated with all 3 outcomes. Any recreational activity was negatively associated with parity, body mass index, and history of miscarriage. The associations of history of miscarriage and body mass index differed at 19 weeks compared with 29 weeks. Single marital status, health professional physical activity advice, and time for activity were associated with high volume recreational activity only. Conclusions Correlates of physical activity differed by mode and volume of activity and by gestational age. This suggests that researchers planning physical activity interventions should consider the mode and amount of activity and the gestational age of the participants.

Physical Activity of Pregnant Hispanic Women

“…6,20,27 In contrast, studies of primarily non-Hispanic white women found parity to be positively associated with becoming insufficiently active during pregnancy; 11,15,19,28,29 however, these studies assessed only sports/exercise. Household/caregiving activities make up the majority of total pregnancy activity among Hispanics.…”

“…10 The majority of prior studies that examined pregnancy physical activity were conducted in predominantly non-Hispanic populations and were often limited by assessment tools not validated in pregnant women or focused exclusively on sports/exercise. 7,11–20 …”

Physical Activity and Pregnancy: Past and Present Evidence and Future Recommendations

“…In general, study findings suggest that there are positive beliefs that prenatal PA contributes to overall well-being (Doran & O’Brien, 2007), stress relief (Duncombe, Wertheim, Skouteris, Paxton, & Kelly, 2007; Rich, Currie, & McMahon, 2004), easier labor/delivery (Rutkowska & Lepecka-Klusek, 2002), reduced depressive/anxiety symptoms (Leiferman, Swibas, Koiness, Marshall, & Dunn, 2011), enjoyment of PA (Jukic et al, in press), and after the baby is born, an enhanced maternal-infant relationship (Rich et al, 2004). Sociodemographic factors known to influence PA beliefs and behaviors include education and income (Evenson et al, 2004; Grace et al, 2006; Ning et al, 2003), age (PA frequency/duration declines with advancing maternal and gestational age; Haakstad, Voldner, Henriksen, & Bo, 2009), and parity (first-time mothers more likely to engage in PA than multiparous mothers; Cramp & Bray, 2009; Grace, Williams, Stewart, & Franche, 2006; Ning et al, 2003).…”

Interventions to improve physical activity during pregnancy: a systematic review on issues of internal and external validity using the RE‐AIM framework

“…Despite the benefits of PA and recommendations that women continue to be active during pregnancy, many women reduce their activity levels during pregnancy and most are not sufficiently active . For example, a study in the USA found that less than 20% of pregnant women were meeting the recommended levels of PA . Pregnancy represents an opportunity to promote PA, as women receive close medical attention and are often highly motivated to improve their health to benefit their children …”