Physical activity and weight gain during the period from first trimester of pregnancy to six months post partum

Abstract

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES: Weight gain from first trimester of pregnancy to six months post partum, places a woman at risk of developing obesity in later life. Objectives were to determine the association between physical activity and weight gain during the period first trimester of pregnancy to six months post partum, in mothers attending child welfare clinics in Biyagama and Kelaniya Medical Officer of Health areas. METHODS: This was a clinic based descriptive cross sectional study, conducted from August to October 2012. International Physical Activity was used in data collection. Low physical activity was defined as no activity or < total 600 MET-min/week (Metabolic Equivalents of Task) for 5 or more days. Results were expressed as percentages, Odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI). Multivariate logistic regression was performed to control for confounders. RESULTS: Mdian total Physical Activity was 1,087 MET-minutes per week (inter quartile range IQR 240 - 1836). Low level of physical activity was observed in 38.8% (95% Cl 34 -44%) of mothers. Percentage of mothers who gained weight from first trimester of pregnancy to six month post partum was 67.8% (95% CI 63% -72%). Multivariate logistic regression showed low level of physical activity was significantly associated with weight gain from first trimester to six months post partum OR12.0 (95% CI 6.1-23.8, p=0.001). CONCLUSION: Low level of physical activity was associated with weight gain from first trimester of pregnancy to six months postpartum.