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. 2016 Jan 27:13:10.
doi: 10.1186/s12966-016-0332-7.

Change in active transportation and weight gain in pregnancy

Marianne Skreden  1 , Nina C Øverby  2 , Linda R Sagedal  3 , Ingvild Vistad  4 , Monica K Torstveit  5 , Hilde Lohne-Seiler  6 , Elling Bere  7
Affiliations

Change in active transportation and weight gain in pregnancy

Marianne Skreden et al. Int J Behav Nutr Phys Act. .

Abstract

Background: Pregnancy is characterised by large weight gain over a short period, and often a notable change in mode of transportation. This makes pregnancy suitable for examining the plausible, but in the scientific literature still unclear, association between active transportation and weight gain. We hypothesize that women continuing an active mode of transportation to work or school from pre- to early pregnancy will have a lower gestational weight gain (GWG) than those who change to a less active mode of transportation.

Methods: We analysed prospective data from the Norwegian Fit for Delivery (NFFD) trial. Between September 2009 and February 2013 606 women were consecutively enrolled in median gestational week 16 (range; 8-20). Of 219 women who used an active mode of transportation (biking, walking, public transportation) pre-pregnancy, 66 (30%) converted to a less active mode in early pregnancy ("active-less active" group), and 153 (70%) continued with active transportation ("active-active" group). Pre-pregnancy weight was self-reported. Weight at gestational (GA) weeks 16, 30, 36, and at term delivery was objectively measured. Weight gain was compared between the two groups. Linear mixed effects analysis of the repeated weight measures was performed including the group*time interaction.

Results: A significant overall group effect was observed for the four time points together ("active-active" group: 77.3 kg vs. "active-less active" group: 78.8 kg, p = 0.008). The interaction term group*time was significant indicating different weight gain throughout pregnancy for the two groups; the mean differences between the groups were 0.7 kg at week 16, 1.4 kg at week 30, 2.1 kg at week 36, and 2.2 kg at term delivery, respectively.

Conclusion: The findings indicate that active transportation is one possible approach to prevent excessive weight gain in pregnancy.

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Figures

Fig. 1
Fig. 1
Inclusion and exclusion of women through the study period. 1number in “active-active” group who delivered before gestational (GA)week 36 is 11, but there is a slight discordance in attendance at week 36 measurements because of variations in timing of appointment (34–38 weeks gestation). 2number in “active-active” group who delivered after GA week 36 but before GA week 37 is 3
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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