The association between objectively-measured physical activity during pregnancy and the risk of cesarean delivery: a prospective study

Abstract

Objectives: To evaluate the association between physical activity (PA) and risk of cesarean delivery. Material and methods: 197 singleton pregnant women recruited in this study. Participants were divided into vaginal and cesarean delivery group. PA based objectively monitoring between the two groups was compared. Logistic regression was used to analyze the association between PA and cesarean delivery. Results: Moderate PA (MPA) of cesarean delivery group was less in the first (21.5 vs 27.5 min/day; p = 0.006) and second trimester (19.4 vs 26.8 min/day; p = 0.001). Light PA of cesarean delivery group was less (195.9 vs 217.3 min/day; p = 0.006) with more sedentary time (551.7 vs 529.1 min/day; p = 0.041) in the third trimester. Increased risk of cesarean delivery was noted in cases with MPA < 37.8 min/day compared to MPA ≥ 37.8 min/day (aOR 2.62; 95% CI 1.09 to 6.32; p = 0.031) in the first trimester. MPA < 17.9 min/day in the second trimester increased the risk of cesarean delivery (aOR 3.01; 95% CI 1.57 to 5.75; p = 0.001) compared to MPA ≥ 17.9 min/day. Conclusions: MPA in the first two trimesters were associated with the risk of cesarean section. Women should increase MPA from early pregnancy.