Physical Activity During Pregnancy and Preterm Birth
Author Information
Author(s): Gou Wanglong, Xiao Congmei, Liang Xinxiu, Miao Zelei, Shi Meiqi, Wu Yingying, Lu Sha, Wang Xuhong, Fu Yuanqing, Hu Wensheng, Zheng Ju-Sheng
Primary Institution: Westlake University, Hangzhou, China
Hypothesis
Is physical activity during pregnancy associated with preterm birth among women with gestational diabetes?
Conclusion
Increased moderate-to-vigorous intensity physical activity during pregnancy is associated with a lower risk of preterm birth among women with gestational diabetes.
Supporting Evidence
- An increase in moderate-to-vigorous intensity physical activity was associated with a lower risk of preterm birth.
- The odds ratio for preterm birth was 0.64 for each additional 30 minutes of MVPA.
- Participants who engaged in at least 30 minutes of MVPA had significantly lower odds of preterm birth.
- The dose-response curve showed a steady decline in preterm birth rates with increased MVPA up to 74 minutes per day.
- Both weekend warrior and regularly active patterns of physical activity were associated with reduced preterm birth risk.
Takeaway
If pregnant women with gestational diabetes exercise more, they are less likely to have their babies too early.
Methodology
This was a prospective cohort study that used accelerometers to measure physical activity among pregnant women with gestational diabetes.
Potential Biases
Social desirability bias may have influenced participants to increase their physical activity levels.
Limitations
The study may not be generalizable due to the higher socioeconomic status of participants and potential biases from self-reported data.
Participant Demographics
The mean age of participants was 31.3 years, with a majority being primiparous.
Statistical Information
P-Value
0.64 for MVPA per 30 minutes
Confidence Interval
95% CI, 0.42-0.98 for MVPA
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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