VIGOROUS LEISURE ACTIVITY AND PREGNANCY OUTCOME

Abstract

Preterm birth is the leading cause of perinatal mortality in North America and Europe and a major predictor of neonatal and infant morbidity. Postterm birth is associated with increased infant mortality and morbidity, as well as increased frequency of surgical or induced labor. It is not clear whether vigorous leisure activity reduces or increases the risk of these birth outcomes. PURPOSE: The objective of this study was to examine the association between vigorous leisure activity and birth outcomes among pregnant women. METHODS: Women (n = 1699) at least 16 years old carrying singleton fetuses were recruited between 24–29 weeks' gestation from prenatal clinics in central North Carolina. The type and duration of any vigorous leisure activity was assessed from a telephone interview for the 3 month period prior to and during the first and second trimesters of pregnancy. RESULTS: The prevalence of vigorous leisure activity was 22.3% before pregnancy, 13.7% during first trimester, and 7.5% during second trimester. Vigorous leisure activity prior to pregnancy was unrelated to preterm (< 37 weeks) as compared to term delivery (37- < 42 weeks). However, the risk of preterm birth was modestly reduced with vigorous leisure activity during first trimester (0.80, 95% CI 0.48–1.35) and more so during second trimester (0.52, 95% CI 0.24–1.11). Vigorous leisure activity before pregnancy or during the first or second trimester was not associated with postterm delivery (> 42 weeks). CONCLUSION: Participation in vigorous leisure activity during the first and even more so in the second trimester of pregnancy was associated with a reduced risk of preterm birth and was not associated with postterm birth. To address the etiologic role of activity on pregnancy outcome and to overcome self-selection, a randomized clinical trial is needed. Supported by NICHHD and ASPH/CDC.