Associations between Physical Activity Types and Adverse Pregnancy Outcomes: A Secondary Analysis
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Date
2025-05
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Publisher
The Ohio State University
Abstract
Background. Nearly one-third of pregnancies are affected by an adverse pregnancy outcome (APO) including preterm birth, hypertensive disorders of pregnancy, and gestational diabetes. Physical activity has been associated with lower risk for developing APOs, but findings are mixed, and the type of physical activity may matter. The purpose of this study is to estimate associations among physical activity types and odds of APO. Methods. This report is a secondary analysis of data collected from the Prenatal Exposures and Preeclampsia Prevention Project (PEPP3) and Pathways to Shortened Gestation Among Black Women Study (PATH). In both, participants completed demographic and behavioral questionnaires during pregnancy, including the Kaiser Physical Activity Survey, and were followed prospectively to determine pregnancy outcomes. Logistic regression models were built using SPSS 28. Results. Participants (n=162) were predominantly Black American (86.3%), aged 25±4.8 years, married or living with their partner (50.6%), had less than a bachelor’s degree (85.2%) and multigravid (62.3%). Adjusting for age, partner status, education, and body mass index, an association between total physical activity and odds of experiencing an APO was not observed (OR=1.11 (0.95-1.0); p=0.20). However, greater occupation activity was marginally associated with greater odds of an APO (OR=1.48 (0.98-2.24); p=0.06). Conclusion. We provide new data suggesting that the relationships among physical activity and odds of APO likely depend upon the type of physical activity and the APO of interest. Among our cohort, greater levels of occupational activity were associated with higher odds of an APO. While more research is needed, such data could have implications for care. For example, while clinicians often discuss the benefits of exercise, its less common to inquire about the physical and mental stressors inherent to some occupational settings. A more holistic perspective may be warranted.
Description
Sigma Theta Tau International, Epsilon Chapter, Undergraduate Student Excellence in Scholarship Award
Keywords
Pregnancy, physical activity, preterm birth, preeclampsia