Abstract
We assessed the prevalence of adherence to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) recommendations regarding physical activity during pregnancy among Sri Lankan women and explored the relationship between physical activity during pregnancy and neonatal birth weight. In total, 141 pregnant women (gestational age, 18–24 weeks) were included from October to December 2015 and followed up until delivery. A validated questionnaire regarding physical activity during pregnancy was administered in the second and third trimesters. Activities were grouped by type (household/caregiving, occupational, transportation, sports/exercise, and inactivity) and intensity {sedentary [<1.5 metabolic equivalents (METs)], light intensity [1.5–2.9 METs], moderate intensity [3.0–6.0 METs], and vigorous intensity [>6.0 METs]}. Women were categorised as active or inactive based on the ACOG recommendations. In total, 79.1% and 45.2% of women met the guidelines in the second and third trimesters, respectively. The overall time spent and total energy expenditure was significantly higher in the second trimester (p < 0.001). We found no relationship between physical activity during pregnancy and neonatal birth weight. This study indicates that a considerable reduction of time and total energy expenditure occur as pregnancy progresses. Physical activity during pregnancy does not appear to significantly affect neonatal birth weight.
Highlights
In 2003, Davies et al.[5] provided new information on the effects of moderate PA on the pregnant woman and foetus, showing that PA has no adverse effects on either maternal or foetal health
Nine women were excluded from the study because of spontaneous abortions (n = 2), multiple foetuses identified by 20 weeks using ultrasound (n = 2), maternal desire to deliver at another hospital (n = 3), and personal withdrawal (n = 2)
Of the remaining 141 patients, data regarding total gestational weight were missing for 22 patients
Summary
In 2003, Davies et al.[5] provided new information on the effects of moderate PA on the pregnant woman and foetus, showing that PA has no adverse effects on either maternal or foetal health. The districts in Sri Lanka with a LBW prevalence of >18% are predominantly those where >40% of the population is engaged in agriculture, and >30% of these individuals are women[21,22]. These findings may reflect the negative birth outcomes associated with increased PA during pregnancy. The relationship between PA during pregnancy and neonatal birth weight has not been explored in Sri Lankan women. Considering the unknown impact of PA on LBW in Sri Lankan context, this prospective longitudinal study was performed to evaluate patterns of PA during pregnancy and the relationship between PA and neonatal birth weight
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