Abstract
We explored the association of physical fitness (PF) with pregnancy-related symptoms, at the 16th and 34th gestational weeks (g.w.). The International Fitness Scale and the Pregnancy Symptoms Inventory were employed to assess self-reported PF and pregnancy-related symptoms, respectively. At the 16th g.w. greater self-reported overall PF was associated with lower incidence of urinary frequency (p = 0.020); greater overall PF, cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF), muscular strength and speed-agility were associated with lower incidence of tiredness-fatigue (all, p < 0.05); greater overall PF and speed-agility were associated with lower incidence of poor sleep (both, p < 0.05); greater CRF and flexibility were associated with lower limitations by tiredness-fatigue (both, p < 0.05); and greater flexibility was associated with lower limitations by poor sleep (p = 0.021). At the 34th g.w. greater self-reported overall PF, CRF and muscular strength were associated with lower incidence of tiredness-fatigue (all, p < 0.05); greater CRF was associated with lower incidence of poor sleep (p = 0.019); and, greater flexibility was associated with lower incidence of increased vaginal discharge (p = 0.023). Adequate levels of PF, especially CRF, may help women to cope with the most endorsed pregnancy-related symptoms and its limitations, especially tiredness-fatigue and poor sleep.
Highlights
Greater self-reported overall physical fitness (PF), cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF), muscular strength and speed-agility were associated with lower incidence of tiredness-fatigue (β = −0.31, p = 0.018; β = −0.29, p = 0.018; β = −0.25, p = 0.031 and β = −0.34, p = 0.006, respectively)
At the 34th g.w., greater self-reported overall PF, CRF and muscular strength were associated with lower incidence of tiredness-fatigue (β = −0.32, p = 0.013; β = −0.33, p = 0.012 and β = −0.29, p = 0.032, respectively)
Tirednessfatigue and poor sleep were specially reported as endorsed pregnancy-related symptoms and limitations in activities of daily living along the pregnancy course
Summary
Pregnancy is a physiological stage characterized for physical and psychological changes that, in the vast majority of women, involve symptoms related to the pregnancy course [1,2]. The duration and severity of these pregnancy-related symptoms vary significantly among women, which may occur throughout the whole pregnancy course most notably during either first (early pregnancy) and third trimester (late pregnancy) [5,7].
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