Recent Patterns of Physical Activity and Sedentary Behaviour Among Pregnant Adults in Canada

Abstract

ObjectiveTo evaluate current levels of physical activity and sedentary behaviour among pregnant and non-pregnant adults in Canada. MethodsWe ascertained population-based cross-sectional data from the Canadian Community Health Survey (CCHS), 2015–2019, and the Canadian Health Measures Survey (CHMS), 2007–2019. We included adults who were assigned female at birth and were of reproductive age (aged 18–55 years) living in the provinces. We analyzed activity data from validated questionnaires and accelerometers. ResultsWe included 53 765 adults from the CCHS and 5321 from the CHMS, weighted to represent 16 million people. Based on accelerometers, both pregnant and non-pregnant adults spent 9.5 hours per day (70% of their time) engaged in sedentary behaviour. Across all survey years, ages, and Canadian regions, pregnant adults, especially those aged under 35 years, spent less time engaged in moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) compared with non-pregnant adults. Pregnant adults reported 34.3 minutes (95% CI 30.5–38.2) and objectively accrued 14.9 minutes (95% CI 7.9–21.8) in MVPA per day — 15.1 and 8.9 fewer minutes than non-pregnant adults, respectively. After accounting for self-report bias, only 27.5% (95% CI 24.1–31.0) of the pregnant and 41.1% (95% CI 40.4–41.9) of the non-pregnant adults met the Canadian physical activity guidelines (i.e., ≥150 minutes of MVPA per week). ConclusionPhysical activity levels are remarkably low among both pregnant and non-pregnant adults, with few meeting current guidelines. Given the substantial physical and mental health benefits, more support is needed to increase pre-pregnancy and prenatal activity in Canada.