Sedentary Pregnant Women Research Articles

Longitudinal Changes of Depressive Symptoms in Sedentary Women Who Exercised During Pregnancy.

Prenatal depression is a common disorder; however, little is known about how depressive symptoms manifest during pregnancy, including when symptoms present and what symptoms are common. This study aimed to better understand prenatal depressive symptoms during pregnancy in the postpartum period, as well as how exercise, such as walking and stretching, can improve depressive symptoms during pregnancy and the postpartum period. A total of 55 women were assessed using the Beck Depression Inventory-II for depressive symptoms at 16 weeks, 28 weeks, and 2 months postpartum. Sedentary pregnant women at-risk for preeclampsia were randomly assigned to either a stretching or walking group for 40 minutes five times a week from 18 weeks of gestation until birth. The primary analyses were analysis of variance and mixed-effects models. All depressive symptoms decreased throughout pregnancy during the postpartum period, although this trend was not statistically significant. Cognitive-affective and somatic depressive symptoms had different trajectories during pregnancy into the postpartum period, but no significant difference was found. Statistically significant improvements were observed in loss of energy and change in sleeping pattern for the walking and stretching groups. The finding that physical activity improves the depressive symptoms' loss of energy and changes in sleeping patterns during pregnancy aligns with the existing literature, but little research has examined how individual depressive symptoms change throughout pregnancy into the postpartum period. Gaining a better understanding of the trajectories and manifestations of depressive symptoms during pregnancy and the postpartum period is essential for improving detection and treatment practices. Understanding when and how depressive symptoms are present is critical for the clinical diagnosis of this disorder.

Physical Training for Pregnant Women: The Theoretical Knowledge and what is Recommended in Gyms

Background: Physically active pregnant women have better anatomical and physiological conditions to gestate and give birth when compared to sedentary pregnant women. However, poorly planned physical training during pregnancy can become a problem for maternal-fetal health. Objective: From this point of view, this research was designed to analyze the knowledge of Physical Education professionals about the prescription and supervision of physical training for pregnant women. Methods: A self-administered questionnaire was answered by 16 Physical Education professionals from different gyms in the city of Mogi das Cruzes, São Paulo, Brazil. Results: We identified that most participants recommend the practice of flexibility, aerobic, and resistance exercises during pregnancy. Intensity recommendations for aerobic and resistance training for pregnant women ranged from light to moderate. The time of aerobic and resistance exercise recommended by professionals was lower than the internationally recommended (150-300 minutes/week). A significant part of the sample does not recommend resistance exercises that involve the pelvic muscles. No participant knows the six physiological variables that must be controlled in pregnant women who are exercising. Conclusion: These findings show that the participants have an important theoretical limitation on the practice of physical exercise in pregnant women and, consequently, gyms neglect training for pregnant women.

Assessment of Eating Habits and Preconception and Gestational Nutritional Status of Women Who Attended the Prenatal Service of a Brazilian University Hospital

Introduction Adequate nutritional status should be seen as a fundamental point of prenatal care to avoid obstetric complications and promote the baby’s health. This study aimed to compare prenatal body mass index (BMI) and BMI for gestational age (GA) and lifestyle habits of high-risk and low-risk pregnant women at a Brazilian University Hospital. Methodology This is a descriptive cross-sectional study with a quantitative approach using a questionnaire. Statistical analyzes were performed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 26.0. The significance level adopted was 5% (p<0.05). Results The present research involved 78 pregnant women, 51.3% of whom were low-risk. Most pregnant women (73.1%) did not practice physical activity and, among those who did, most reported practicing between 2 and 3-hours per week of light activity. In addition, most (57.7%) interviewees reported sleeping more than 7-hours a night. The pre-pregnancy BMI was adequate in only 34.6% of the patients, while 59% were overweight (overweight or obese); at the time of the interview, BMI for gestational age was normal in only 28.2%, and 66.7% had a BMI reflecting overweight. Consumption of sweets during the week showed significant variation: the high-risk group had a higher percentage of patients who did not consume sweets during the week (44.7%) compared to the low-risk group (20%). Furthermore, while in the high-risk group, only 7.9% consumed sweets 5 to 7 times a week, 30% of the low-risk group consumed sweets 5 to 7 times a week. Conclusion The evaluated pregnant women have a prevalence of excess weight of 66.6%, higher than that of Brazilian women (53.9%). Comparison between preconception BMI and BMI for GA showed a tendency to persist in the pre-pregnancy classification; when there was a change in the distribution of the BMI classification, this occurred with a reduction in the number of underweight, eutrophic, and overweight women and an increase in the percentage of pregnant women with obesity. The diet, in general, was sufficient in terms of micronutrients and fiber, but with high consumption of sweets by low-risk pregnant women. In addition, the proportion of sedentary pregnant women is extremely high. Our study shows the importance of promoting healthy habits during prenatal care to improve pregnant women’s nutritional diagnosis

Voice, Speech, and Clinical Aspects During Pregnancy: A Longitudinal Study

Pregnancy involves anatomical, physiological, and metabolic changes in a woman's body. However, the effects of these changes on the voice remains unclear, particularly regarding the clinical characteristics. We aimed to evaluate changes in vocal and speech acoustic measures and the relationship between them and clinical aspects in women during pregnancy. A prospective, longitudinal study was carried out with 41 low risk, adult, pregnant women, followed for prenatal care. Demographic and anthropometric data as well as lifestyle habits and health conditions were collected. Voice recordings of sustained vowels, and automatic and spontaneous speech were held over each trimester and analyzed by PRAAT®to evaluate acoustic, aerodynamic, and articulatory measures. There were no changes in fundamental frequency, jitter, shimmer, and harmony to noise ratio during pregnancy. Maximum phonation time (MPT), pause rate, and pause duration reduced at the end of pregnancy. MPT was lower in sedentary pregnant women. The fundamental frequency peak rate was higher in eutrophic participants and lower in the third trimester in women with BMI ≥25 kg/m2. Pause rate was higher in pregnant women with BMI ≥25 kg/m2. There was no relationship between sleep quality, reflux, and vocal symptoms and acoustic and aerodynamic measures. Differences were shown in MPT and temporal pause measurements during pregnancy. Acoustic measurements did not change. There was a relationship between acoustic and aerodynamic measures and clinical variables (BMI, physical activity, and body mass gain).

Do physically active pregnant women experience less back pain compared with more sedentary pregnant women?

Do physically active pregnant women experience less back pain compared with more sedentary pregnant women?

Walking in pregnancy and prevention of insomnia in third trimester using pedometers: study protocol of Walking_Preg project (WPP). A randomized controlled trial

BackgroundPrevious studies in pregnancy have not focused in evaluating the effect of walking during pregnancy and prevention of insomnia. Our general objective is to determine the effect of a walking program in preventing the appearance of insomnia in the third trimester of pregnancy, increasing sleep quality and improving quality of life throughout pregnancy.MethodsRandomized Controlled trial in parallel in healthy sedentary pregnant women (n = 265), Walking_Preg Project (WPP), from university hospital in Granada, Spain. At 12th gestational week (GW), they will be invited to participate and randomly assigned to one of the three arms of study: the intervention group I1 (pedometer, goal of 11,000 steps/day), intervention group I2 (pedometer, no goal) and control (no pedometer). Duration of intervention: 13–32 GW. At 12th, 19th and 31st GW the average steps/day will be measured in groups I1 and I2. At 13th, 20th and 32nd GW, Athens Insomnia Scale (AIS), Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), Adherence to Mediterranean Diet (AMD), physical activity (short IPAQ), quality of life (PSI), and consumption of toxic substances (caffeine, illegal drugs, alcohol and tobacco) will be collected. Student t test or Mann-Whitney U will be used to compare 19th and 31st GW mean of daily steps between I1 and I2 groups. To compare differences between groups in terms of frequency of insomnia/quality of life for each trimester of pregnancy, Pearson’s Chi-square test or Fisher’s exact test will be used. To determine differences in hours of sleep and quality of sleep throughout each trimester of pregnancy, analysis of variance or Friedman test will be used. McNemar-Bowker test will be used to assess differences in life quality in pre-post analyses in the 3 arms. We will use Stata 15 statistical software.Discussionpromoting walking in second half of pregnancy through use of pedometer and health pre-registration of a goal to be achieved –'10,000–11,000 steps a day’– should prevent appearance of insomnia in third trimester, will increase sleep quality and quality of life in pregnant women.Trial registrationClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT03735381. Registered 8th November, 2018.

Effect of aerobic exercise on frequency of vaginal birth: A meta-analysis

Background/Aim. Pregnancy is a state where different morphological and physiological changes occur in a pregnant woman's body. There are many factors that have an effect on maintaining a healthy pregnancy. Physical activity is one of the possible factors that can have an impact on the quality of life during pregnancy. Healthy pregnant women, without medical or obstetric complications, are advised to exercise in a moderate and proper manner. The aim of this meta-analysis was to evaluate the impact of continuous aerobic exercise on the frequency of vaginal birth in healthy pregnant women with normal body mass index (BMI) values. Methods. This meta-analysis was based on a systematic review and selection of randomized clinical trials. The affect of physical exercise was assessed using the "RStudio" programming language and environment. Heterogeneity of studies was assessed by Q statistics. Possible publication bias of studies was identified. The primary outcome analysis was related to the frequency of vaginal birth, while the secondary outcome analysis was related to BMI in the first measurement and total weight gain after the second measurement. The suitability of 10 individual studies is shown by graphical and statistical analysis of the extracted data. Results. Physically active pregnant women who exercised with light to moderate intensity 3 times a week (35?60 minutes), had a more frequent vaginal birth than sedentary pregnant women (67.4% vs. 60.5; relative risk (RR) 1.11, 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.04?1.18). RR was statistically significantly different from unit (p = 0.002). All pregnant women had optimal BMI values in the first measurement before intervention. Also, all pregnant women gained the recommended number of kilograms during pregnancy. Conclusion. Analysis of selected individual studies showed that continuous aerobic physical exercise during the second and third trimesters does not have a negative effect on measured outcome of pregnancy. Physically active pregnant women were more likely to give birth vaginally than sedentary pregnant women.

Elastic adhesive bandage in low back pain in active and sedentary pregnant women living in Coari, Amazonas

Background: Gestational low back pain is a limiting symptom, which interferes in the activities of daily living and quality of life. There are several scientific findings on the effectiveness and benefits of banding for low back pain, making it necessary to investigate effective and inexpensive non-pharmacological technologies. Objectives: The objective of this study was to compare the effect of elastic adhesive bandage (EAB) in low back pain in active and sedentary pregnant women. Method: Study quasi-experimental, analytical with 33 pregnant women living in the city of Coari (AM). Socio-demographic, obstetrical data on health and low back pain were collected. The bandage was applied like “I”, with two bands in the paravertebral region of the lumbar spine and should remain for 3 days. Pain intensity was assessed by visual analogue pain scale (VAS) during the initial evaluation and after 3 days of the application procedure. For purposes of analysis, the sample was divided into 2 groups: active and sedentary. The Wilcoxon test was used to compare the mean of the low back pain intensity before and after the application of the intra-group bandage. The mean intensity of low back pain after the application of bandaging between groups was analyzed by the Mann-Whitney U test. Significance was accepted for p≤0,05. Results: The mean age was 24.24 (±6.39) and 75.8% reported low back pain at moderate intensity. The pain intensity after application of the EAB was lower in both the active (p=0.039) and the sedentary (p=0.000). There was no difference in pain intensity on day 3 in intragroup analysis (p=0.691). Conclusion: EAB reduced the intensity of low back pain in both active and sedentary pregnant women, however, there was no difference in its effect when the groups were compared.

Association between change in maternal physical activity during pregnancy and infant size, in a sample overweight or obese women

ABSTRACT Physical activity (PA) naturally declines during pregnancy and its effects on infant size are unclear, especially in overweight or obese pregnancies, a low-active subpopulation that tends deliver heavier infants. The objective of this study was to evaluate changes in prenatal PA and infant birthweight in a group of overweight or obese pregnant women. We employed a prospective analysis using data from a randomized controlled exercise trial (2001 to 2006) in sedentary, overweight or obese pregnant women in Michigan. Women with complete data on peak oxygen consumption, daily PA (via pedometers) and birthweight were included in the analyses. Change in PA was estimated via repeated measures analyses, and then its influence on infant birthweight was assessed via linear regression. Eighty-nine pregnant women were included and considered low-active (6,579.91 ± 2379.17 steps/day). PA declined from months 4 to 8 (−399.73 ± 371.38 steps∙day−1∙month−1). Analyses showed that the decline in PA (β = −0.28 g, 95%CI: −0.70, 0.25 g, p = .35) was not associated with birthweight. The findings of this study demonstrated that the decline in maternal PA during mid- to late-pregnancy, in overweight or obese women, was unrelated to infant birthweight. Future investigations should employ rigorous measurements of PA and infant anthropometry in this subpopulation.

The influence of gestational trimester, physical activity practice and weight gain on the low back and pelvic pain intensity in low risk pregnant women.

BACKGROUND: Low back and pelvic pain in pregnant women is a clinical condition of which the etiology is multifactorial. Thus, various variables can influence the low back and pelvic pain’s intensity.OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to analyze the influence of the gestational trimester, practice of physical activity and weight gain on the intensity of low back and pelvic pain in low risk pregnant women.METHODS: Two hundred and sixty-seven pregnant women participated in this study. The gestational age, body mass index, weight gain, physical activity practice and the low back and pelvic pain were evaluated.RESULTS: We found a significant difference ( 0.02) in pain intensity, when comparing active and sedentary pregnant women. No significant differences were found when comparing pain intensity between the gestational trimesters (2versus 3; 0.60). There was no significant relation between the weight gain and pain intensity ( 0.03 0.28). The multivariate analysis indicated that sedentary pregnant women have a higher risk ( 0.001) of intense pain and the pain is not influenced by the weight gain ( 0.08) and the gestational trimester ( 0.98).CONCLUSIONS: Sedentary pregnant women have 30% more chances to have higher pain intensities when compared to the active women, regardless of the gestational trimester and weight gain.

Influence of physical activity and different sensory conditions on static and dynamic balance of pregnant women

BACKGROUND Physical activity during pregnancy provides countless benefits to pregnant women and results in a smaller number of falls during pregnancy. Thus, this study aims to verify the influence of physical activity and test conditions on the static and dynamic balance of pregnant women. METHODOLOGY The study was an analytical, transversal, and comparative study with a sample of 99 pregnant women divided into two groups, with physical activity as the grouping factor. The evaluation included questions about the type and frequency of physical activity and investigation of postural balance (Balance Master System(r)). For statistical analysis, we used the following tests: Shapiro Wilk, Mann-Whitney, ANOVA One Way and Wilcoxon. RESULTS No relationship was found between physical activity and postural balance (F > 0.40, P > 0.07). However, the test conditions alter the sway velocity (P = 0.001) and directional control movement (P = 0.001). CONCLUSIONS Results suggest that: (1) physical activity does not influence variables related to postural balance in active and sedentary pregnant women; and (2) postural sway velocity and directional control of movement are related to the test conditions used during balance evaluation.

Impact of gestational risk factors on maternal cardiovascular system.

Scarce evidence is available on the potential cardiovascular abnormalities associated with some common gestational complications. We aimed to analyze the potential maternal cardiac alterations related to gestational complications, including body mass index (BMI) >25 kg/m(2), gaining excessive weight, or developing antenatal depression. The design of this study was a secondary analysis of a randomized controlled trial. Echocardiography was performed to assess cardiovascular indicators of maternal hemodynamic, cardiac remodeling and left ventricular (LV) function in 59 sedentary pregnant women at 20 and 34 weeks of gestation. Starting pregnancy with a BMI >25 kg/m(2), gaining excessive weight, and developing antenatal depression had no cardiovascular impact on maternal health (P value >0.002). Depressed women were more likely to exceed weight gain recommendations than non-depressed women (P value <0.002). The evaluated gestational complications seem not to induce cardiovascular alterations in hemodynamic, remodeling and LV function indicators. However, developing antenatal depression increases the risk of an excessive weight gain. This finding is potentially important because excessive weight gain during pregnancy associates with a higher risk of cardiovascular diseases (CVD) later in life.

Home-based walking during pregnancy affects mood and birth outcomes among sedentary women: A randomized controlled trial.

We examined the effects of home-based walking on sedentary Japanese women's pregnancy outcomes and mood. A randomized controlled trial was conducted, involving 118 women aged 22-36 years. Participants were randomly assigned to walking intervention (n = 60) or control (n = 58) groups. The walking group was instructed to walk briskly for 30 min, three times weekly from 30 weeks' gestation until delivery. Both groups counted their daily steps using pedometers. Pregnancy and delivery outcomes were assessed, participants completed the Profile of Mood States, and we used the intention-to-treat principle. Groups showed no differences regarding pregnancy or delivery outcomes. The walking group exhibited decreased scores on the depression-dejection and confusion subscales of the Profile of Mood States. Five of the 54 women in the intervention group who remained in the study (9.2%) completed 100% of the prescribed walking program; 32 (59.3%) women completed 80% or more. Unsupervised walking improves sedentary pregnant women's mood, indicating that regular walking during pregnancy should be promoted in this group.

Web-Based Behavioral Intervention Increases Maternal Exercise but Does Not Prevent Excessive Gestational Weight Gain in Previously Sedentary Women.

Innovative methods are warranted to optimize prenatal outcomes. This study's objective was to determine if a web-based behavioral intervention (BI) can prevent excessive gestational weight gain (GWG) by increasing physical activity (PA). Participants were randomized to usual care (UC; n = 21) or BI (n = 24) between 10 to 14 weeks gestation. GWG, PA, and diet were assessed at baseline, mid-, and late pregnancy. No differences in GWG or adherence to GWG recommendations presented between groups. Total UC MET-minutes significantly decreased from baseline to late-pregnancy (1,234 ± 372 MET-minutes, P = .013). Mid-pregnancy sustained PA was greater for BI than UC (20-minute PA bouts: 122 ± 106 vs. 46 ± 48 minutes/week, P = .005; 30-minute PA bouts: 74 ± 70 vs. 14 ± 24 minutes/week, P < .001), and greater for BI at mid-pregnancy compared with baseline (20-minute PA bouts: 61.3 ± 21.9; 30-minute PA bouts: 39.6 ± 14.8, both P < .05). BI energy intake at mid-pregnancy significantly increased from baseline (336 ± 127 kcals, P = .04) and was significantly greater than UC (2,503 ± 703 vs. 1,894 ± 594, P = .005). Sedentary pregnant women should increase PA but may need additional dietary counseling to prevent excessive GWG.

Maternal blood pressure and heart rate response to pelvic floor muscle training during pregnancy

To assess whether maternal blood pressure (BP) and heart rate (HR) change significantly in response to pelvic floor muscle training during pregnancy. Longitudinal exploratory study with repeated measurements. Twenty-seven nulliparous healthy women of mean age 23.3years (range 18-36) and mean body mass index 23.4 (range 23.1-29.5). Individual supervised pelvic floor muscle training from gestational week 20 till 36 with assessment of BP and HR at gestational weeks 20, 24, 28, 32 and 36. Systolic and diastolic BP was measured before and after each training session and HR was monitored during each session. Pelvic floor muscle training did not change BP. 77% (n=21) of participants exceeded 70% of estimated maximum HR during at least one session. The time for exceeding 70% of estimated maximum HR was between 2.2 and 3.2 % of the total exercise session. Increases in BP and HR from gestational weeks 20 till 36 were within normal limits for pregnant women. Pelvic floor muscle training in nulliparous sedentary pregnant women does not increase BP. It significantly increases HR during the exercise sessions, but only for a limited period of time and with no negative long-term effect on BP or HR.

Brachial artery flow-mediated dilation is not affected by pregnancy or regular exercise participation

Whether brachial artery FMD (flow-mediated dilation) is altered in pregnancy by 28-35weeks compared with non-pregnant women remains controversial. The controversy may be due to limitations of previous studies that include failing to: (i) test non-pregnant controls in the mid-late luteal phase, (ii) account for effects of pregnancy on the dilatory shear stimulus, (iii) account for physical activity or (iv) control for inter-individual variation in the time to peak FMD. In the present study, brachial artery FMD was measured in 17 active and eight sedentary pregnant women (34.1±1.6weeks of gestation), and in 19 active and 11 sedentary non-pregnant women (mid-late luteal phase). Decreased vascular tone secondary to increased shear stress contributes minimally to pregnancy-induced increases in baseline brachial artery diameter, as shear stress removal during distal cuff inflation in pregnant women did not reduce diameter to baseline levels observed in non-pregnant controls. Neither the shear stimulus nor the percentage FMD was affected by pregnancy or regular exercise. Continuous diameter measurements are required to control for delayed peak dilation during pregnancy (57±15 compared with 46±15s; P=0.012), as post-release diameter measured at 60 or 55-65s post-release underestimated FMD to a greater extent in non-pregnant than in pregnant women.

Water exercises and quality of life during pregnancy.

BackgroundIn Brazil, concern with the quality of life of pregnant women is one of the points emphasized in the Program for the Humanization of Prenatal Care and Childbirth launched in 2000. However, there are few references in the literature on the role of either land or water-based physical exercise on women's quality of life during pregnancy. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of a physical exercise program of water aerobics on the quality of life (QOL) of sedentary pregnant women.MethodsA comparative observational study involving sedentary low-risk pregnant women bearing a single fetus with gestational age less than 20 weeks at the time of admission to the study, who were receiving antenatal care at a public health service. One group of 35 women was given routine antenatal care, while another group of 31 women, in addition to receiving the same routine care as the first group, also participated in three classes of water aerobics per week. QOL was evaluated by applying the WHOQOL-BREF questionnaire in both groups at the 20th, 28th and 36th weeks of pregnancy. In the same occasions, women also answered another questionnaire about their experience with pregnancy and antenatal care.ResultsThe great majority of the participants considered that the practice of water aerobics had benefitted them in some way. QOL scores were found to be high in both groups during follow-up. There was no association between the practice of water aerobics and QOL.ConclusionsFurther studies involving larger sample sizes should be conducted in different sociocultural contexts and/or using other instruments to adequately evaluate the QOL of women during pregnancy.

Fetal cardiotocography before and after water aerobics during pregnancy.

ObjectiveTo evaluate the effect of moderate aerobic physical activity in water on fetal cardiotocography patterns in sedentary pregnant women.MethodIn a non-randomized controlled trial, 133 previously sedentary pregnant women participated in multiple regular sessions of water aerobics in a heated swimming pool. Cardiotocography was performed for 20 minutes before and just after the oriented exercise. Cardiotocography patterns were analyzed pre- and post-exercise according to gestational age groups (24-27, 28-31, 32-35 and 36-40 weeks). Student's t and Wilcoxon, and McNemar tests were used, respectively, to analyze numerical and categorical variables.ResultsNo significant variations were found between pre- and post-exercise values of fetal heart rate (FHR), number of fetal body movements (FM) or accelerations (A), FM/A ratio or the presence of decelerations. Variability in FHR was significantly higher following exercise only in pregnancies of 24-27 weeks.ConclusionsModerate physical activity in water was not associated with any significant alterations in fetal cardiotocography patterns, which suggests no adverse effect on the fetus.

The Effects of Exercise Conditioning in Normal and Overweight Pregnant Women on Blood Pressure and Heart Rate Variability

Pre-pregnancy obesity is a risk factor for preeclampsia, gestational diabetes, and hypertension. Regular exercise during pregnancy has been shown to decrease the risk of these obstetrical complications. The purpose of this prospective study was to measure the effects of an exercise program in normal-weight and overweight/obese pregnant women on blood pressure (BP) and cardiac autonomic function, determined by heart rate variability (HRV) and baroreflex sensitivity (BRS). Twenty-two sedentary pregnant women, recruited at 20 weeks gestational age (GA), were grouped as normal weight or overweight/obese. They were systematically assigned to an exercise (walking) group or control (nonwalking) group after the first participants were randomly assigned. Women in the walking groups participated in a 16-week, low-intensity walking program. BP, HRV, and BRS were measured at rest and during exercise at the beginning (20 weeks GA) and end (36 weeks GA) of the walking program. Results indicated that women in the control groups (especially overweight women) showed changes in BP, HRV, and BRS over pregnancy that were not seen in the walking group. Overweight women in the control group increased resting systolic BP by 10 mmHg and diastolic BP by 7 mmHg. HRV declined in the control group but not in the walking group. A reduction in BRS and R-R interval at rest was found in all groups except the walking normal-weight group. The results suggest that an exercise program could attenuate the increase in BP and the loss of parasympathetic tone associated with pregnancy, especially in overweight women.

Exploratory analysis of exercise adherence patterns with sedentary pregnant women.

It is not well understood how sedentary women who wish to engage in regular exercise adhere to interventions during pregnancy and what factors may influence adherence over time. The aim of this study was to examine longitudinal patterns of pregnant women's adherence to exercise. Exploratory secondary data analyses were carried out with 124 previously sedentary pregnant women (ages 31 +/- 5 years; 85% non-Hispanic White) from a randomized controlled trial. Daily exercise logs (n = 92) from 18 through 35 weeks of gestation were explored using linear regression, functional data, and principal component analyses. Adherence decreased as gestation week increased (p < .001). The top adherers maintained levels of adherence, and the bottom adherers decreased levels of adherence. And adherence pattern was influenced by types of exercise throughout the study period. Exercise behavior patterns were explored in a randomized controlled trial study, using chronometric data on exercise attendance. A new analytic approach revealed that sedentary pregnant women may adopt exercise habits differently from other populations.