INVESTIGATING THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN PRENATAL PHYSICAL ACTIVITY AND BIRTH WEIGHT

Authors

Frances Neal Kincheloe, The Department of Biology at The University of North Carolina at Chapel HillFollow
Margaret I. Damaré, The University of North Carolina at Chapel HillFollow
Taylor N. Hughes, The Department of Exercise and Sport Science at the University of North Carolina at Chapel HillFollow
Emma Medwedeff, The Department of Exercise and Sport Science at the University of North Carolina at Chapel HillFollow
Michelle L. Meyer, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Department of Emergency MedicineFollow
Malia Blue, The Department of Exercise and Sport Science at the University of North Carolina at Chapel HillFollow

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Birth weight is a key indicator for neonatal health. Maternal prenatal physical activity (PA) is thought to support healthy pregnancy outcomes. Research evaluating the relationship between prenatal PA and newborn birth weight is primarily in individuals with gestational diabetes and thus warrants further investigation in both high- and low-risk pregnancies. OBJECTIVE: This study will aim to examine the relationship between prenatal PA level and infant birth weight, in high-risk (e.g., gestational diabetes, hypertension) and low-risk pregnant individuals. METHODS: The proposed study will evaluate data from 840 pregnant individuals from diverse backgrounds, locations, and risk groups enrolled in the Mother and Infant Determinants of Vascular Aging Study (MIDAS). The relationship between prenatal PA, pregnancy risk status, and birth weight of infants will be evaluated using a linear regression. PA measured by the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ-27) during the third trimester will serve as the main independent variable, birth weight will be the continuous dependent variable, and pregnancy risk group will serve as an effect modifier. We will control for potential confounding variables including sex of infant and age at pregnancy. ANTICIPATED RESULTS: We expect to find a significant relationship between prenatal PA level and healthy birth weight and hypothesize that higher PA will be associated with birth weights considered healthy. CONCLUSIONS: Findings from this study will characterize the association of perinatal PA and newborn birth weight and potentially inform the development of specific PA guidelines during pregnancy.

Recommended Citation

Kincheloe, Frances Neal; Damaré, Margaret I.; Hughes, Taylor N.; Medwedeff, Emma; Meyer, Michelle L.; and Blue, Malia (2024) "INVESTIGATING THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN PRENATAL PHYSICAL ACTIVITY AND BIRTH WEIGHT," International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings: Vol. 16: Iss. 3, Article 265.
Available at: https://digitalcommons.wku.edu/ijesab/vol16/iss3/265