(1002) Maternal diet, physical activity, and perinatal outcomes

Maternal physical activity may be associated with significant health consequences to the mother and offspring. The current research aimed to study the association between engagement in physical activity before or during early pregnancy and the risk for adverse pregnancy outcomes including gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM), hypertensive disorders, anemia, preterm delivery (PTD) and low birth weight.

Study Design:

A prospective cohort study was conducted, consisting of women recruited from two medical centers. Medical records were summarized and self-completed questionnaires regarding physical activity were administered. Pregnancy outcomes were compared between women who engaged or not engaged in physical activity before and during early pregnancy. Multivariable logistic models were used to study the association between engaging in physical activity and pregnancy outcomes, while adjusting for body mass index, maternal age, and socioeconomic status.

Results:

The study included 514 pregnant women, 69.5% (n=244) were physically active before or during early pregnancy. The incidence of the studied outcomes are presented in the Table. Women who engaged in physical activity before pregnancy were less likely to suffer from GDM (15.4% vs 2.0%, p=0.022) and PTD (10.2% vs 4.4%, p</span>=0.038). This association was also significant in the multivariable model for engaging in physical activity before pregnancy (adjusted OR for GDM= 0.092 95%CI 0.01 – 0.82 and adjusted OR for PTD= 0.375 95%CI 0.15 – 0.92). Engaging in physical activity during early pregnancy was also associated with lower risk for GDM  ( adjusted OR=0.098 95%CI 0.017 – 0.56) but not for PTD (adjusted OR=0.872 95%CI 0.36 – 2.11).

Conclusion:

Engaging in physical activity, either before or during the first trimester, is associated with a reduced risk for GDM and PTD.