Relationship between Pre-Pregnancy Body Mass Index, Physical Activity and Sedentary Lifestyles Before and During Pregnancy: A Cross-Sectional Study

Amezcua-Prieto, C.; Olmedo-Requena, R.; Martínez-Ruíz, V.; Jiménez-Mejías, E.; Mozas-Moreno, J.; Jiménez-Moleón, J. J.; Summerbell, C.

Abstract

Introduction: Pregnant women are recommended to participate in ‘moderate to vigorous’ physical activity (MVPA), each day, to promote and maintain health. The aim of this study was to assess the changes in Total Energy Expenditure (TEE), MVPA, physical activity levels in four different domains (leisure time, transportation, household/ caregiver, occupational), time spent watching TV, and numbers of women meeting the recommendations, before compared with during pregnancy, by body mass index category.

Method: A systematic sample of otherwise healthy pregnant women attending their scheduled 20-22nd week assessment at a hospital in Spain during a 4 year period, 2004-2007, were asked for information on socio-demographic and medical information. They completed the Paffenbarger questionnaire and provided an estimate of their height and weight, both during the first half of their pregnancy and during the 12 months prior to their pregnancy.

Results: 1.175 women agreed to take part. TEE decreased from pre-pregnancy in all BMI categories (21.77 to 18.89 in ideal; 24.20 to 21.56 in overweight; and 23.82 to 21.21 in obese women) (p<0.001). Physical activity levels in the transportation and leisure time domains, both before and during pregnancy were negligible across all BMI categories (mean around 1-1.5 MET hours/day), although LTPA did decline during pregnancy. Physical activity levels in the household/caregiver domain did not change as a result of pregnancy in any of the BMI categories (mean approx. 11 MET hours/day in ideal compared with approx 15 in overweight and obese categories). Physical activity levels declined in the occupational domain across all BMI categories.

Discussion: Patterns of physical activity appear to be maintained during pregnancy, with the exception of occupational activity which decreases equally across all BMI categories. Motivating women, regardless their pregestational BMI index, to be physical active and less sedentary from the beginning and during pregnancy could potentially increase physical activity levels.

Citation

Amezcua-Prieto, C., Olmedo-Requena, R., Martínez-Ruíz, V., Jiménez-Mejías, E., Mozas-Moreno, J., Jiménez-Moleón, J. J., & Summerbell, C. (2015). Relationship between Pre-Pregnancy Body Mass Index, Physical Activity and Sedentary Lifestyles Before and During Pregnancy: A Cross-Sectional Study. Journal of pregnancy and child health, 2, Article 207. https://doi.org/10.4172/2376-127X.1000207

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Acceptance Date: Nov 21, 2015
• Online Publication Date: Nov 28, 2015
• Publication Date: Nov 28, 2015
• Deposit Date: Dec 6, 2016
• Journal: Journal of Pregnancy and Child Health
• Electronic ISSN: 2376-127X
• Publisher: OMICS Publishing Group
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• Volume: 2
• Article Number: 207
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.4172/2376-127X.1000207
• Public URL: https://durham-repository.worktribe.com/output/1390045