The effect of physical activity in pregnancy on fetal body composition, birth weight and fat distribution

• Published in: Geburtshilfe und Frauenheilkunde Vol. 74; no. S 01
• Main Authors: Csapo, B, Hipfl, M
• Format: Conference Proceeding Journal Article
• Language: English; German
• Published: 05.09.2014
• ISSN: 0016-5751; 1438-8804
• DOI: 10.1055/s-0034-1388212

Introduction: Physical activity during pregnancy has been identified as a major factor contributing to fetal growth and body composition, besides maternal nutrition, gestational diabetes and obesity. Studies showed a trend of bigger babies, born to moderately exercising women, whereas non-exercising women and heavily exercising women seem to deliver smaller babies. Studies also suggest an alteration of the newborn's fat tissue distribution as a possible cause. Aims: To investigate the effect of moderate exercise during pregnancy on neonatal body composition and fat distribution. Method: This prospective, observational pilot study follows 40 healthy pregnant women throughout their pregnancy. Depending on their physically activity, women were assessed into two groups of 20 women each. Pre-pregnancy exercise behaviour and early pregnancy activity is investigated with a short screening questionnaire and objectified with an accelerometer. Patients are examined three times during pregnancy, in the first, second and third trimester. The newborn's subcutaneous fat is measured on day two after birth using a optical lipometer, which computes the thickness of a given fatty layer in mm at any given site of the human body. Data was analysed using Excel and SPSS. Relevance: We postulate, babies delivered by physical active women have an altered body composition. These results could play a key role in developing low cost interventions to improve the later health of children. Results: Study ends in May 2014 and results will be presented.