Physical activity in pregnancy and its effect on weight-related parameters: A pilot randomized controlled trial

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: The decline in the level of physical activity during pregnancy is related to various pregnancy related complications. Therefore, regular physical activity during pregnancy plays an important role in maintaining good reproductive health and healthy lifestyle. OBJECTIVES: was to assess the effect of supervised exercises, text messages, and pedometer-based physical activity interventions during pregnancy on physical activity levels and weight-related parameters. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Controlled, randomized, parallel-group pilot study. Sixty pregnant women were randomized into five groups (N= 12 in each group): Group A: Supervised exercise; Group B: Pedometer; Group C: Pedometer plus text message; Group D: Text message and Group E: Control. Pregnant women aged 20-30 years with a singleton pregnancy and gestational age of less than 16 weeks at inclusion, a BMI ≥ 18.5 kg /m2, an availability of mobile phone and ability to speak and read Hindi and English languages were selected for participation in the study. Women with twin or multiple pregnancies, BMI >30kg/m2, high-risk pregnancy as decided by the gynecologist, any pregnancy related complications such as pre-gestational hypertension, pre-gestational diabetes, and other major health conditions restricting their physical activity at the time of recruitment and illiterate pregnant women were excluded from the study. Group A received supervised light to moderate intensity exercise of 45-60 minutes once weekly from the 15th week till delivery. Groups B and C were encouraged to improve physical activity level, focusing at a steps count of at least 5000-7500 steps per day assessed by pedometer on seven consecutive days per month. Group C in addition to pedometer and group D received standard SMS related to pregnancy care (physical activity, diet, motivational, and educational specific. One-way ANOVA was used to estimate the between-group differences and Paired t-test was used to estimate the within-group difference in the outcome variables (p=0.05). RESULTS: The result of the study showed statistically significant between groups differences in the weight at 9th month (p=0.029) and weight retention at 2months post-partum (p=0.005). The supervised exercise group retained less weight during post-partum period as compared to control group (Supervised exercise vs Control, MD = 2.79kg, p=0.002). However, there was no statistical significant improvement in gestational weight gain, BMI, waist circumference, hip circumference and waist to hip ratio as compared to groups. CONCLUSIONS: It can be concluded that supervised exercises are effective in increasing physical activity, reducing weight-related parameters, and help in adopting a healthy lifestyle during pregnancy.