Differences among exercisers and non‐exercisers during pregnancy

Abstract

The hypothesis that mothers who exercise during pregnancy have less time than non‐exercisers for other activities was tested by having pregnant mothers complete a reliable and valid Modifiable Activity Questionnaire. Exercisers participated in moderate or vigorous aerobic exercise at least 30 minutes 3 times per week throughout the pregnancy whereas control mothers did not. Questions pertained to descriptives, daily activities, exercise, and amount of sleep. The data from 27 mothers with uncomplicated pregnancies (17 exercisers and 10 non‐exercisers) have been analyzed. Mothers who exercised during pregnancy slept more each night than non‐exercising moms. Although, all mothers were similar age, education levels, and height, there were significant differences between groups for weight and BMI. Control and exercising mothers with male fetuses were less active than moms with female fetuses and, had higher BMIs. Stay‐at‐home moms exercised less than those who worked out of the home, but stay‐at‐home control mothers were more active than control moms who worked outside of the home. We unexpectedly found differences in BMI based on fetal gender. Additionally, exercising moms do not "steal" time to exercise. These results suggest exercising during pregnancy does not require "stealing" time, but being more time efficient. These data will hopefully encourage pregnant women to evaluate their use of time each day.Grant Funding SourceIntramural