This expert review aimed to assess current literature on the effect and tracking of
physical activity during pregnancy and associated outcomes. Self-reported physical
activity may be inaccurate given the subjective nature of the questionnaires. The
accelerometer ActiGraph is considered the “gold standard” to objectively measure physical
activity. However, other more user-friendly wearable devices are now widely available
and may accurately track physical activity. Conclusive data from both validated activity
questionnaires and accelerometers indicate that physical activity is safe during pregnancy.
In addition, studies of physical activity during pregnancy that evaluate pregnancy
outcomes have found reduced risks of preterm birth, preeclampsia, and gestational
diabetes mellitus and improved mental health among individuals who regularly engage
in physical activity. In the United States, approximately 48% of pregnant individuals
gain more than the recommended amount of weight during pregnancy; excessive gestational
weight gain is associated with an increased risk of maternal and fetal complications,
including preterm birth, preeclampsia, and gestational diabetes mellitus, and corresponding
higher adverse short- and long-term maternal and offspring health outcomes. Although
physical activity is safe during pregnancy and may reduce excessive gestational weight
gain and resultant pregnancy complications, further research is needed to determine
the frequency and duration of specific types of physical activity during pregnancy.
Providers should encourage physical activity before and during pregnancy and educate
patients regarding the benefits and safety of physical activity.
Key words
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Article info
Publication history
Published online: September 25, 2022
Accepted:
September 21,
2022
Received in revised form:
September 1,
2022
Received:
May 23,
2022
Footnotes
The authors report no conflict of interest.
This study was funded, in part, by grant numbers K24-ES031131 and R01-MD011609.
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Copyright
© 2022 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
