Leisure-Time Physical Activity in Pregnancy and Maternal-Child Health: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials and Cohort Studies

Abstract

Our findings support the promotion of LTPA in pregnancy as a strategy to improve maternal and child health.

Physical activity during pregnancy and offspring neurodevelopment: A systematic review

“…In terms of life style during pregnancy, physical activity (PA) practice has shown beneficial maternal and child health effects . Current evidence suggests a lower incidence of pregnancy‐related complications such as gestational diabetes, preeclampsia, preterm birth and postpartum depression . In addition, studies focusing on the neonatal period and child growth have shown a lower incidence of low birthweight, improved child body composition (lower body fat percentage), and a greater ponderal index …”

“…[11][12][13] Current evidence suggests a lower incidence of pregnancy-related complications such as gestational diabetes, preeclampsia, preterm birth and postpartum depression. 14,15 In addition, studies focusing on the neonatal period and child growth have shown a lower incidence of low birthweight, improved child body composition (lower body fat percentage), and a greater ponderal index. 16 Specifically, for neurodevelopment, research in animal models have shown that PA during pregnancy is associated with improved neurogenesis, proliferation in learning and memory cells and brain plasticity among other neurobiological processes.…”

Maternal and early life nutrition and physical activity: setting the research and intervention agenda for addressing the double burden of malnutrition in South African children

“…A large body of research has shown that physical activity during pregnancy provides many maternal health benefits, such as management of GWG, and reduction in the risk of GDM as well as pre-eclampsia [17,18]. The exact effect of maternal physical activity on foetal growth and development remains controversial [1,19,20], yet it is essential that pregnant women are physically active enough to maintain a healthy bodyweight and prevent increased GWG, particularly when pre-pregnancy body mass index (BMI) are high [10].…”

“…The exact effect of maternal physical activity on foetal growth and development remains controversial [1,19,20], yet it is essential that pregnant women are physically active enough to maintain a healthy bodyweight and prevent increased GWG, particularly when pre-pregnancy body mass index (BMI) are high [10]. Much of the available intervention literature is from high-income countries (HICs), with only a small proportion originating from LMICs [17], and none coming from Africa. A recently conducted systematic review found only five studies that had measured physical activity during pregnancy in Africa; moreover, none of these were intervention studies [21].…”

Validity and responsiveness of the Global Physical Activity Questionnaire (GPAQ) in assessing physical activity during pregnancy

“…Participating in 20–30 minutes of moderate intensity PA on most days of the week (approximately 150 minutes per week) [1], as recommended by the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) [2], provides various benefits such as reduced risk of excessive gestational weight gain, gestational diabetes mellitus [3,4] and preeclampsia [5]. In addition, women who are physically active during pregnancy benefit from increased cardiovascular fitness and muscular strength [6], as well as psychological benefits and improved mental health [7].…”