Introduction: The beneficial effects of physical activity during pregnancy for the mother and offspring have been reported by several studies but there are conflicting results concerning the possible effect of physical activity on the course of labor and risk of cesarean delivery. This study presents secondary analyses from the Norwegian Fit for Delivery randomized controlled trial, aiming at studying the effect of a lifestyle intervention including group exercise classes, as well as the possible influence of physical activity level in late pregnancy, on labor outcomes.

Material And Methods: Healthy nulliparous women with singleton pregnancy were randomized to an intervention group, n = 303 (dietary counseling and twice-weekly exercise classes) or a control group, n = 303 (standard care). The participants were analyzed both by randomization and as a cohort comparing women with lowest (quartile 1, 0 metabolic equivalent of task-hours moderate-to-vigorous physical activity/week) (n = 140) vs. highest (quartile 4, ≥16 metabolic equivalent of task-hours moderate-to-vigorous physical activity/week) (n = 131) physical activity level in late pregnancy, assessed with the International Physical Activity Questionnaire.

Result: The intervention group had a longer first stage of labor compared with the control group (293 ± 202 min vs. 257 ± 181 min, p = 0.030). No differences between the randomization groups were seen for time spent in second stage of labor, prolonged labor or mode of delivery. In the total sample, women with the highest physical activity level had lower odds ratio (OR) of acute cesarean delivery (OR 0.33, 95% CI 0.11-0.97, p = 0.044) than did those with the lowest physical activity-level.

Conclusion: A significantly longer first stage of labor was observed in the intervention group than in the control group. A high physical activity level in late pregnancy was associated with lower odds of acute cesarean delivery compared with a low physical activity level.

Download full-text PDF

Source
http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/aogs.13351DOI Listing

Publication Analysis

Top Keywords

physical activity
36
activity level
20
physical
12
cesarean delivery
12
level late
12
late pregnancy
12
intervention group
12
control group
12
stage labor
12
norwegian fit
8

Similar Publications

Background: Concurrent exercise (CE), an emerging exercise modality characterized by sequential bouts of aerobic (AE) and resistance exercise (RE), has demonstrated acute benefits on executive functions (EFs) and neuroelectric P3 amplitude. However, the effect of acute CE on inhibitory control, a sub-component of EFs, and P3 amplitude remains inconclusive. Moreover, exploring the mechanisms underlying the effects of acute exercise on EFs contributes to scientific comprehension, with lactate recognized as a crucial candidate positively correlated with EFs.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF

Background: Marathon training and running have many beneficial effects on human health and physical fitness; however, they also pose risks. To date, no comprehensive review regarding both the benefits and risks of marathon running on different organ systems has been published.

Main Body: The aim of this review was to provide a comprehensive review of the benefits and risks of marathon training and racing on different organ systems.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF

Objective: To investigate the prospective associations between age and the risk of low back disorders (LBD), dorsal disorders (DD), and cervical disorders (CD), and to identify a potential age-threshold for increased risk of back disorders.

Methods: Prospective cohort from the UK Biobank comprising adults with no history of back disorders. We examined different ages and their association with the risk of back disorders derived from diagnoses of hospital registers.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF

Background: Cell culture studies play an important role in addressing fundamental scientific questions. However, inadequate reporting of these studies results in a lack of transparency and reproducibility. Recognizing the need for improvement, several ongoing efforts, such as CRIS guidelines and the ICLAC checklist, are focused on enhancing best practices for in vitro studies.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF

Through a literature review, expert interviews, questionnaires, and statistical methods, this study constructs an evaluation index system and calculates the score for the integrated development of sports, culture, and tourism at sports event venues, specifically the Hemei Rural Football Super League ("Village Super League") in Rongjiang, Guizhou. First, we reviewed and analyzed the relevant literature, which led to the formation of an initial index consisting of 18 items. The index was optimized after the analysis to include three main dimensions and 13 specific measurement items.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF

Want AI Summaries of new PubMed Abstracts delivered to your In-box?

Enter search terms and have AI summaries delivered each week - change queries or unsubscribe any time!