Maternal Physical Activity Patterns in the 2015 Pelotas Birth Cohort: From Preconception to Postpartum

Abstract

Background: Motherhood has been associated with reduced leisure-time physical activity (LTPA) levels. We aim to assess maternal LTPA patterns from preconception to 4 years postpartum. Methods: The study was developed with mothers from the Pelotas 2015 Birth Cohort, Southern Brazil (n = 4273). LTPA data were self-reported for preconception, antenatal, and 3, 12, 24, and 48 months postpartum. Information on LTPA referring to preconception (3 mo before pregnancy) and each gestational trimester was retrospectively collected in perinatal. The prevalence of active mothers was calculated according to recommendations (≥150 min/wk). We described changes in LTPA between follow-ups and estimated the probability of mothers being active according to previous LTPA. We used group-based trajectory analysis to identify patterns of LTPA throughout the follow-ups. Results: The prevalence of active mothers during leisure time decreased in pregnancy and postpartum compared with preconception. At 12 months postpartum, LTPA levels rose again, but at 48 months, the rates of active mothers still had not returned to preconception levels. Prior LTPA engagement was an important determinant of the maintenance of LTPA. Trajectory analysis identified 4 patterns of maternal LTPA, and ∼80% of mothers were allocated to the “always inactive” group. Higher education and income, working outside the home, multiple births, and participating in the PAMELA study intervention were associated with a higher probability of mothers not being included in this predominantly inactive group. Conclusions: Motherhood is associated with declining rates of women meeting physical activity recommendations during pregnancy and early postpartum.

Enablers and Barriers Related to Preconception Physical Activity: Insights from Women of Reproductive Age Using Mixed Methods

“…Moreover, preconception PA behaviours can have longlasting effects, potentially influencing not only the immediate future pregnancy but also the health trajectories of future generations [2]. In fact, participation in preconception PA is a significant predictor of continued PA during pregnancy [9,10]. Therefore, the preconception period represents a critical window of opportunity for behaviour change [11].…”

“…Despite the benefits of being physically active before conception, research indicates that preconception PA behaviour is often suboptimal among women of reproductive age [10,[12][13][14]. Notably, a report published by the Australian government revealed that 78% of women of reproductive age fail to meet the national guidelines, which recommend being active on most, preferably all days, with at least 150 min of moderate to vigorous activity per week [12].…”

Life Course Epidemiology Applied to Physical Activity Research

“…The research featured in the Special Issue draws evidence from both well-established cohort studies that have been ongoing for several decades, and contemporary cohorts established since 2010. These influential studies include the 1970 British Cohort Study, 9 the Australian Longitudinal Study on Women's Health, 10 the Pelotas (Brazil) Birth Cohort studies, 3,[5][6][7][8] the Southampton Women's Survey, 4 the Singapore Preconception Study of Long-Term Maternal and Child Outcomes, 2 and the Sasaguri Genkimon Study. 11 This diversity should be celebrated, as comparing and contrasting evidence from different countries and studies established in different periods is crucial to gain a deeper understanding of current trends and patterns in physical activity, taking into account the evolving social, cultural, and technological landscapes that shape our behaviours in today's world.…”

“…Not coincidentally, physical activity and women's health have emerged as prominent topics within these studies. 3,4,10 This aspect deserves to be highlighted because comprehending physical activity through the lens of life course should drive us to advance strategies aimed at reducing the non-acceptable disparity in physical activity opportunities between men and women, particularly during the reproductive age. 13 Despite our enthusiasm over the successful publication of these 10 manuscripts, we acknowledge there is still much room for improvement within our research field.…”