New research has discovered that physical activity during pregnancy may be directly related to maternal education. Specifically, the higher the level of education attained, the more likely the woman is to be active in pregnancy.
The results of the study were published in BMC Women’s Health earlier this month. The research team specifically sought to explore how physical activity changes during different stages of pregnancy and what factors, if any, appear to contribute to the observed patterns.
The researchers analyzed data from 2,485 pregnant women in China. They evaluated the women’s physical activity in the first trimester, and once again later in the pregnancy between 24 to 30 weeks pregnant, Research Square reports. To do this, the researchers used the International Physical Activity Questionnaire short form, which is a self-reporting mechanism with 27 questions that are used to evaluate the physical activity of adults between 15 to 69-years old.
In conclusion, more than half of the pregnant participants (55%) had sufficient physical activity during the mid-to-late stage of their pregnancy. Additionally, expecting mothers who had sufficient rates of physical activity early in pregnancy were more likely to have satisfactory levels later of activity during later gestation. Interestingly, women in West China had the highest rates of physical activity, whereas those located in central China had the lowest levels.
There were several factors that appeared to be linked to rates of physical activity in pregnancy. The researchers observed that women who smoked were less likely to have adequate rates of physical activity. However, those with higher levels of education tended to have better rates of activity.
Of the results, the researchers explain that physical activity tends to increase as pregnancy progresses. Walking was the main form of physical activity among the participants. However, they warn that further research is needed to explore the link between physical activity in pregnancy and the various factors that appear to affect it, including the level of maternal education.
Physical activity refers to any sort of movement of the body. Not only is regular physical activity important for everyone, but it’s especially important for promoting a healthy pregnancy. The CDC specifically recommends that pregnant women partake in regular “moderate-intensity physical activity,” which can include brisk walking. This promotes a healthy heart and lungs and can also improve mood during and after pregnancy.
While physical activity is important in pregnancy, not all types of exercises are safe, especially in later trimesters. To learn more about the right amount and types of physical activity that are best in pregnancy, we encourage you to speak to your healthcare provider.
Sources: BMC Women’s Health, CDC, Research Square,