The Impact of Physical Activity on Maternal and Fetal Well-being During Pregnancy

Authors

  • Hube Fatima China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan Author
  • Sumaira Yasmin GC University Layyah, Layyah, Pakistan Author
  • Nazia Alfred Fernandes Iqra University North Campus, Karachi, Pakistan Author
  • Arooj Afzal Superior University, Lahore, Pakistan Author
  • Bismah Arif University of Child Health Sciences, Lahore, Pakistan Author
  • Syed Nasir Ali Shah The Sahara College, Narowal, Pakistan Author
  • Arooj Fatima Islamia University, Rahim Yar Khan, Pakistan Author
  • Hafiz Ali Bin Asim Foundation University Islamabad, Islamabad, Pakistan Author

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.61919/0et8q268

Keywords:

Pregnancy, Physical Activity, Gestational Diabetes, Birth Weight, Maternal Health, Preterm Birth

Abstract

Background: Physical activity during pregnancy has been increasingly recognized for its role in promoting maternal and fetal health, yet inconsistencies remain regarding optimal intensity and its effects on perinatal outcomes. Sedentary lifestyles during gestation are associated with elevated risks of gestational diabetes, excessive weight gain, and adverse fetal outcomes. Objective: To evaluate the impact of moderate-intensity physical activity on maternal health indicators and fetal well-being during pregnancy. Methods: A prospective cohort study was conducted on 100 pregnant women between 12 and 24 weeks of gestation recruited from antenatal clinics. Participants were divided into two groups: a physically active group (n=50) engaging in moderate aerobic activity for at least 30 minutes, five times per week, and a sedentary group (n=50) with no structured exercise. Maternal variables included gestational weight gain, incidence of gestational diabetes, and blood glucose levels. Fetal outcomes assessed were birth weight and incidence of preterm birth. Statistical analysis was performed using t-tests and chi-square tests, with adjustments for confounding factors. Results: The physically active group demonstrated significantly lower gestational weight gain (9.5 ± 3.2 kg vs. 13.2 ± 4.1 kg, p<0.001) and improved glycemic profiles (p=0.002). Birth weights were higher (3.4 ± 0.5 kg vs. 3.1 ± 0.6 kg, p=0.005), and preterm birth incidence was lower in the active group (4% vs. 12%). Conclusion: Moderate physical activity during pregnancy contributes to favorable maternal and neonatal outcomes, supporting its inclusion in routine prenatal care.

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Published

2025-06-20

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Section

Articles

How to Cite

1.
Hube Fatima, Sumaira Yasmin, Nazia Alfred Fernandes, Arooj Afzal, Bismah Arif, Syed Nasir Ali Shah, et al. The Impact of Physical Activity on Maternal and Fetal Well-being During Pregnancy. JHWCR [Internet]. 2025 Jun. 20 [cited 2025 Jul. 2];:e397. Available from: https://jhwcr.com/index.php/jhwcr/article/view/397