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Identifier

000358772

Title

Φυσική άσκηση και εγκυμοσύνη : έρευνα μέσα στα πλαίσια της μελέτης μητέρας-παιδιού Κρήτης (μελέτη ΡΕΑ

Alternative Title

Physical activity during pregnancy: a study within the mother-child cohort in Crete (RHEA study)

Author

Σαβουλίδη, Κατερίνα

Thesis advisor

Κογεβίνας, Μανόλης
Σαρρή, Κατερίνα

Abstract

Background: The benefits of physical activity on peoples’ health are beyond any doubt. Nevertheless the benefits of maternal physical activity, for herself and the fetus, haven’t been clarified. Current evidence supports that maternal physical activity helps to maintain fitness levels and maternal psychological health, while it probably has a positive effect on the risk of gestational diabetes, pregnancy hypertension and preeclampsia. Also it seems that physical activity is not associated with an increased risk of preterm delivery or low birth weight. Objectives: Aims of this study include record of maternal physical activity prevalence before and during pregnancy and exploration of associations with certain pregnancy complications and outcomes. More specifically, associations between maternal physical activity and risk of gestational diabetes mellitus, hypertension and preeclampsia for mothers and preterm birth and low birth weight for the fetus, have been examined. Methods: The study population consisted of 1142 singleton pregnancies recruited to Mother-Child cohort in Crete. Data on physical activity exposures and outcomes of interest were collected through questionnaires administered to the women during pregnancy and birth. Physical activity during pregnancy has also been evaluated in relation to time spent and energy expenditure. Results: Prevalence of physical activity was very low, both before (21,5%) and during pregnancy (6,1%). None of the results were statistically significant but physical activity before pregnancy was associated with reduced risk of preeclampsia, preterm birth and low birth weight and physical activity during pregnancy was associated with reduced risk of GDM and pregnancy hypertension, while it seemed to have no negative effect on preterm birth and low birth weight. Women that used to exercise were less exposed to active smoking. Conclusions: Physical activity of medium intensity before and during pregnancy has a positive influence both for mother and her fetus. Reasons that keep women from exercise have to be identified and then have to be controlled in order to increase women’s participation. Data from big Mother-Child cohorts, carried on at the moment in EU, and future randomized intervention studies (RCTs) will help to clarify the influence of physical activity during pregnancy, in order to develop type, time and intensity specific exercise guidelines that confers the greatest health benefits for mother and fetus.

Physical description

73 σ : πιν. ; 30 εκ.

Language

Greek

Subject

Exercise

Gestational diabetes mellitus

Gestational hypertension

Low birth weight

Physical Fitness

Physical activity

Pregnancy