Skip to main content

Physical Activity and Pregnancy

  • Chapter
  • First Online:
Exercise and Human Reproduction

Abstract

In this chapter, physiological adaptations to pregnancy are summarised as knowledge of the fundamental; physical adaptations that occur during pregnancy are important to understand the influence of physical activity on maternal and foetal outcomes. Cardiovascular, respiratory, musculoskeletal and endocrine adaptations that occur during pregnancy are briefly explained while metabolic adaptations are specifically addressed due to the importance of the energy balance during pregnancy. Measuring physical activity during pregnancy, subjective versus objective, forms an integral part of the energy balance and is presented, specifically longitudinally; physical activity patterns are poorly understood and concurrently reviewed. Physical activity tends to decrease during pregnancy in spite of the conclusive evidence in the literature of the benefit of regular physical activity during pregnancy. The findings are not always communicated to pregnant women and this has led to a misconception that physical activity might be detrimental during pregnancy. The possible risk associated with physical activity is therefore discussed, as well as the guidelines for physical activity during pregnancy to ensure a beneficial and safe antenatal period. The importance of understanding the role of habitual physical activity in high-risk pregnancy is presented. Finally, the influences of physical activity during pregnancy on birth outcomes are addressed based on the hypothesis set by the “theory of foetal origins” that states that the maternal environment influences foetal growth.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this chapter

Chapter
USD 29.95
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Available as PDF
  • Read on any device
  • Instant download
  • Own it forever
eBook
USD 84.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Available as EPUB and PDF
  • Read on any device
  • Instant download
  • Own it forever
Softcover Book
USD 129.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Compact, lightweight edition
  • Dispatched in 3 to 5 business days
  • Free shipping worldwide - see info
Hardcover Book
USD 109.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Durable hardcover edition
  • Dispatched in 3 to 5 business days
  • Free shipping worldwide - see info

Tax calculation will be finalised at checkout

Purchases are for personal use only

Institutional subscriptions

References

  1. Downs DS, Chasan-Taber L, Evenson K, Jenn L, Leo S. Physical activity and pregnancy: past and present evidence and future recommendations. Res Quart Exerc Sport. 2012;83(4):485–502.

    Google Scholar 

  2. Melzer K, Schutz Y, Boulvain M, Kayser B. Physical activity and pregnancy: cardiovascular adaptations, recommendations and pregnancy outcomes. Sport Med. 2010;40(6):493–507.

    Google Scholar 

  3. Chasan-Taber L, Evenson KR, Sternfeld B, Kengeri S. Assessment of recreational physical activity during pregnancy in epidemiologic studies of birthweight and length of gestation: methodologic aspects. Women Health. 2007;45(4):85–107.

    Google Scholar 

  4. Evenson KR, Wen F. Prevalence and correlates of objectively measured physical activity and sedentary behaviour among US pregnant women. Prev Med. 2011;53(1):39–43.

    Google Scholar 

  5. ACOG (American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists). Exercise during pregnancy. and the postpartum period. ACOG Committee Opinion. Int J Gynaecol Obstet. 2002;77(1):79–81.

    Google Scholar 

  6. ACSM (American College of Sports Medicine), editor. ACSM’s guidelines for exercise testing and prescription. 9th ed. Philadelphia: Lippincott Williams and Wilkins; 2014.

    Google Scholar 

  7. Barsky E, Smith T, Patricios J, Collins R, Branfield A, Ramagole M. South African Sports Medicine Association position statement on exercise in pregnancy. S Afr J Sport Med. 2012;24(2):69–71.

    Google Scholar 

  8. Davies GA, Wolfe LA, Mottola MF, Mackinnon C. Joint SOGC/CSEP clinical practice guideline: exercise in pregnancy and the postpartum period. J Obstet Gynaecol Can. 2003;28(3):329–41.

    Google Scholar 

  9. Holan S, Mathiesen M, Petersen KA. National Clinical Guideline for Antenatal Care. [Internet]. Oslo, Norway: Directorate for Health and Social Affairs; 2005. http://helsedirektoratet.no/publikasjoner/retningslinjer-for-svangerskapsomsorgen-kortversjon/Publikasjoner/a-national-clinical-guideline-for-antenatal-care%E2%80%93short-version.pdf. Accessed 8 July 2013.

  10. Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists [Internet]. RCOG; [updated 2006 Jan 1; cited 2012 Jul 2]. Exercise in Pregnancy (Statement 4); [about 8 screens]. http://www.rcog.org.uk/womens-health/clinical-guidance/exercise-pregnancy.

  11. Sports Medicine Australia. Exercise in pregnancy [Internet]. Victoria: Sport and Recreation; 2009. http://sma.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2009/10/WIS-ExPreg.pdf. Accessed 8 July 2013.

  12. US Department of Health and Human Services. Physical activity guidelines for americans [Internet]. Office of Disease Prevention and Health Promotion; 2008. http://www.health.gov/paguidelines/pdf/paguide.pdf. Accessed 8 July 2013.

  13. Blackburn ST. Maternal, fetal, and neonatal physiology: a clinical perspective. 2nd ed. St. Louis: Mosby; 2003.

    Google Scholar 

  14. Kawaguchi JK, Pickering RK. The pregnant athlete, part 1: anatomy and physiology of pregnancy. Athlet Ther Today. 2010;15(2):39–43.

    Google Scholar 

  15. Heidemann BH, McClure JH. Changes in maternal physiology during pregnancy. Brit J Anaesth. 2003;3(3):65–8.

    Google Scholar 

  16. Norwitz ER, Edusa V, Park JS. Maternal physiology and complications of multiple pregnancy. Semin Perinatol. 2005;29(5):338–48.

    Google Scholar 

  17. Carlin A, Alfirevic Z. Physiological changes of pregnancy and monitoring. Best Prac Res Clin Obstet. 2008;22(5):801–23.

    Google Scholar 

  18. Capeless EL, Clapp JF. Cardiovascular changes in early phase of pregnancy. Am J Obstet Gynecol. 1989;161(6):1449–53.

    Google Scholar 

  19. Holschen JC. The female athlete. Southern Med J. 2004;97(9):852–8.

    Google Scholar 

  20. Jensen D, Webb KA, O’Donnell DE. Chemical and mechanical adaptations of the respiratory system at rest and during exercise in human pregnancy. Appl Physiol Nutr Metab. 2007;32(6):1239–50.

    Google Scholar 

  21. Garcia-Rio F, Pino JM, Gomez L, Alvarez-Sala R, Villasante C, Villamor J. Regulation of breathing and perception of dyspnoea in healthy pregnant women. Chest. 1996;110(2):446–53.

    Google Scholar 

  22. Jensen D, Wolfde LA, Slatkovska L, Webb KA, Davies GAL, O’Donnell DE. Effects of human pregnancy on ventilator chemoreflex response to carbon dioxide. Am J Physiol Regul Integr Comp Physiol. 2005;288(5):1369–75.

    Google Scholar 

  23. Calguneri M, Bird HA, Wright V. Changes in joint laxity occurring during pregnancy. Ann Rheum Dis. 1982;41(2):126–8.

    Google Scholar 

  24. Artal R, O’Toole M. Guidelines of the American College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists for exercise during pregnancy and the postpartum period. Brit J Sport Med. 2003;37(1):6–12.

    Google Scholar 

  25. Whitcome KK, Shapiro LJ, Lieberman DE. Fetal load and the evolution of lumbar lordosis in bipedal hominins. Nature. 2007;450(7172):1075–8.

    Google Scholar 

  26. Wang TW, Apgar BS. Exercise during pregnancy. Am Fam Physician. 1998;57(8):1847–52.

    Google Scholar 

  27. Branco M, Santos-Rocha R, Aguiar L, Vieira F, Veloso A. Kinematic analysis of gait in the second and third trimesters of pregnancy. J Preg. 2013;718095. doi:101155/2013/718095.

    Google Scholar 

  28. Kuijper EAM, Ket JCF, Caanen MR, Lambalk CB. Reproductive hormone concentrations in pregnancy and neonates: a systematic review. Reprod Biomed Online. 2013;27(1):33–63.

    Google Scholar 

  29. Lewis B, Avery M, Jennings E, Sherwood N, Martinson B, Crain AL. The effects of exercise during pregnancy on maternal outcomes: practical implications for practice. Am J Lifestyle Med. 2008;2(5):441–55.

    Google Scholar 

  30. Wylie L. Essential anatomy and physiology in maternity care. 2nd ed. United Kingdom: Churchill Livingstone; 2005.

    Google Scholar 

  31. Mittlemark RA, Wiswell RA, Drinkwater BL. Exercise in pregnancy. 2nd ed. Baltimore: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins; 1991.

    Google Scholar 

  32. Glinoer D. The regulation of thyroid function during normal pregnancy: importance of the iodine nutrition status. Best Prac Res Clin Endocrinol Metab. 2004;18(2):133–52.

    Google Scholar 

  33. Chamberlain G, Popkin FB. Clinical physiology in obstetrics. 3rd ed. Nottingham: Blackwell Scientific Publisher; 1998.

    Google Scholar 

  34. Whitney E, Rolfes SR. Understanding nutrition. 11th ed. Belmont: Thomson Wadsworth; 2008.

    Google Scholar 

  35. Melzer K, Schutz Y, Boulvain M, Kayser B. Pregnancy-related changes in activity energy expenditure and resting metabolic rate in Switzerland. Eur J Clin Nutr. 2009;63(10):1183–91.

    Google Scholar 

  36. Poppitt SD, Prentic AM, Jequier E, Schults Y, Whitehead RG. Evidence of energy sparing in Gambian women during pregnancy: a longitudinal study using whole-body calorimetry. Am J Clin Nutr. 1993;57(3):353–64.

    Google Scholar 

  37. McArdle WD, Katch FI, Katch VL. Exercise physiology: nutrition, energy, and human performance. 7th ed. Baltimore: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins; 2010.

    Google Scholar 

  38. Löf M. Physical activity pattern and activity energy expenditure in healthy pregnant and non-pregnant Swedish women. Eur J Clin Nutr. 2011;65(12):1295–301.

    Google Scholar 

  39. Mojtahedi M, De Groot LCP, Boekholt HA, Van Raaij JMA. Nitrogen balance of healthy Dutch women before and during pregnancy. Am J Clin Nutr. 2002;75(6):1078–83.

    Google Scholar 

  40. Butte NF, Wong WW, Treuth MS, Ellis KJ, Smith EO. Energy requirements during pregnancy based on total energy expenditure and energy deposition. Am J Clin Nutr. 2004;79(6):1078–87.

    Google Scholar 

  41. Löf M, Olausson H, Bostrom K, Janerot-Sjöberg B, Sohlstrom A, Forsum E. Changes in basal metabolic rate during pregnancy in relation to changes in body weight and composition, cardiac output, insulin-like growth factor I, and thyroid hormones in relation to fetal growth. Am J Clin Nutr. 2005;81(3):678–85.

    Google Scholar 

  42. Prentice AM, Spaaij CJ, Goldberg GR, Poppitt SD, Van Raaij JM, Totton M, Swann D, Black AE. Energy requirements of pregnant and lactating women. Eur J Clin Nutr. 1996;50(1):82–111.

    Google Scholar 

  43. Okereke NC, Huston-Presley L, Saeid BA, Kalhan S, Patrick MC. Longitudinal changes in energy expenditure and body composition in obese women with normal and impaired glucose tolerance. Am J Physiol Endocrinol Metab. 2004;287(3):E472–9.

    Google Scholar 

  44. Kopp-Hoolihan LE, Van Loan MD, Wong WW, King JC. Longitudinal assessment of energy balance in well-nourished, pregnant women. Am J Clin Nutr. 1999;69(4):697–704.

    Google Scholar 

  45. IOM (Institute of Medicine) and NRC (National Res earch Council) editor. Weight gain during pregnancy: reexamining the guidelines. Rasmussen KM, Yaktine AL. editors. Washington, DC: The National Academic Press; 2009.

    Google Scholar 

  46. Bronstein MN, Mak RP, King JC. The thermic effect of food in normal-weight and overweight pregnant women. Brit J Nutr. 1995;74(2):261–75.

    Google Scholar 

  47. Nagy LE, King JC. Postprandial energy expenditure and respiratory quotient during early and late pregnancy. Am J Clin Nutr. 1984;40(6):1258–63.

    Google Scholar 

  48. Piers LS, Diggavi SN, Thangam S, Van Raaij JM, Shetty PS, Hautvast JG. Changes in energy expenditure, anthropometry, and energy intake during the course of pregnancy and lactation in well-nourished Indian women. Am J Clin Nutr. 1995;61(3):501–13.

    Google Scholar 

  49. Spaaij CJ, Van Raaij JN, Van der Heijden LJ, Schouten FJ, Drijvers JJ, De Groot LC, et al. No substantial reduction of the thermic effect of a metal during pregnancy in well-nourished Dutch women. Brit J Nutr. 1994;71(1):335–44.

    Google Scholar 

  50. Contaldo F, Scalfi L, Coltorti A, Palo MR D, Martinelli P, Guerritore T. Reduced regulatory thermogenesis in pregnant and ovariectomized women. Int J Vitam Nutr Res. 1987;57(3):299–304.

    Google Scholar 

  51. Illingworth PJ, Jung RT, Howie PW, Isles TE. Reduction in postprandial energy expenditure during pregnancy. BMJ (Res C editor). 1987;294(6587):1573–7.

    Google Scholar 

  52. Clarke PE, Rousham EK, Gross H, Halligan AW, Bosio P. Activity patterns and time allocation during pregnancy: a longitudinal study of British women. Ann Hum Biol. 2005;32(3):247–59.

    Google Scholar 

  53. Lawrence M, Whitehead RG. Physical activity and total energy expenditure of child-bearing Gambian village women. Eur J Clin Nutr. 1988;42(2):145–60.

    Google Scholar 

  54. Löf M, Forsum E. Activity patterns and energy expenditure due to physical activity before and during pregnancy in healthy Swedish women. Brit J Nutr. 2006;95(2):296–302.

    Google Scholar 

  55. Rousham EK, Clarke PE, Gross H. Significant changes in physical activity among pregnant women in the UK as assessed by accelerometry and self-reported activity. Eur J Clin Nutr. 2006;60(3):393–400.

    Google Scholar 

  56. Forsum E, Kabir N, Sadurkis A, Weterterp K. Total energy expenditure of healthy Swedish women during pregnancy and lactation. Am J Clin Nutr. 1992;56(2):334–42.

    Google Scholar 

  57. Heini A, Scuhtz Y, Diaz E, Prentice AM, Whitehead RG, Jequier E. Free-living energy expenditure measured by two independent techniques in pregnant and nonpregnant Gambian women. Am J Physiol. 1994;261(1 Pt 1):E9–17.

    Google Scholar 

  58. Lawrence M, Singh J, Lawrence F, Whitehead RG. The energy cost of common daily activities in African women: increased expenditure in pregnancy? Am J Clin Nutr. 1985;42(5):753–63.

    Google Scholar 

  59. Singh J, Prentice AM, Diaz E, Coward WA, Ashford J, Sawyer M. Energy expenditure of Gambian women during peak agricultural activity measured by the doubly-labelled water method. Brit J Nutr. 1989;62(2):315–29.

    Google Scholar 

  60. Van Raaij JM, Vermaat-Miedema SH, Schonk CM, Peek ME, Hautvast JG. Energy requirements of pregnancy in the Netherlands. Lancet. 1987;2(8565):953–5.

    Google Scholar 

  61. Durnin JV, McKillop FM, Grant S, Fitzgerald G. Energy requirements of pregnancy in Scotland. Lancet. 1987;2(8564):897–900.

    Google Scholar 

  62. Moss SJ, Van Oort AF, De Boer MR, Schutz Y. Objectively determined activity energy expenditure during pregnancy and changes in body mass: the HAPPY-study. Oral presentation at the 22nd European College of Sport Science Conference; 2014 Jul 2–5; Amsterdam, The Netherlands.

    Google Scholar 

  63. Shephard RJ. Limits to the measurement of habitual physical activity by questionnaires. Brit J Sport Med. 2003;37(3):197–206.

    Google Scholar 

  64. Ainsworth BE, Haskell WL, Whitt MC, Irwin ML, Swartz AM, Strath SJ, et al. Compendium of physical activities: an update of activity codes and MET intensities. Med Sci Sport Exerc. 2000;32(9):498–504.

    Google Scholar 

  65. Ainsworth BE, Richardson M, Jacobs DR, Leon AS. Gender differences in physical activity. Women Sport Phys Activ J. 1993;2(1):1–17.

    Google Scholar 

  66. Poudevigne MS, O’Conner PJ. A review of physical activity patterns in pregnant women and their relationship to psychological health. Sport Med. 2006;36(1):19–38.

    Google Scholar 

  67. Ainslie PN, Reilly T, Westerterp KR. Estimating human energy expenditure; a review of techniques with particular reference to doubly labelled water. Sport Med. 2003;33(9):683–98.

    Google Scholar 

  68. Speakman JR. The history and theory of the doubly labelled water technique. Am J Clin Nutr. 1998;68(4):932–8.

    Google Scholar 

  69. Herrmann SD, Heumann KJ, Der Ananian CA, Ainsworth BE. Validity and reliability of the global physical activity questionnaire (GPAQ). Meas Phys Educ Exerc Sci. 2013;17(3):221–35.

    Google Scholar 

  70. Bauman AE, Sallis JF. Global problems require global studies. Am J Prev Med. 2008;34(6):544–5.

    Google Scholar 

  71. Guthold R, Ono T, Strong KL, Chatterji S, Morabia A. Worldwide variability in physical inactivity: a 51-country survey. Am J Prev Med. 2008;34(6):486–94.

    Google Scholar 

  72. Armstrong T, Bull F. Development of the World Health Organization Global Physical Activity Questionnaire (GPAQ). J Public Health. 2006;14(2):66–70.

    Google Scholar 

  73. Aittasalo M, Pasanen M, Fogelholm M, Ojala K. Validity and repeatability of a short pregnancy leisure time physical activity questionnaire. J Phys Activ Health. 2010;7(1):109–18.

    Google Scholar 

  74. Chasan-Taber L, Schmidt MD, Roberts DE, Hosmer D, Markenson G, Freedson PS. Development and validation of a pregnancy physical activity questionnaire. Med Sci Sport Exerc. 2004;36(10):1750–60.

    Google Scholar 

  75. Evenson KR, Wen F. Measuring physical activity among pregnant women using a structured one-week recall questionnaire: evidence for validity and reliability. Int J Behav Nutr Phys Activ. 2010;7(21):1–12.

    Google Scholar 

  76. Schmidt MD, Freedson PS, Pekow P, Roberts D, Sternfeld B, Chasan-Taber L. Validation of the Kaiser physical activity survey in pregnant women. Med Sci Sport Exerc. 2006;38(1):42–50.

    Google Scholar 

  77. Cohen TR, Plourde H, Koski KG. Use of the pregnancy physical activity questionnaire (PPAQ) to identify behaviors associated with appropriate gestational weight gain during pregnancy. J Phys Activ Health. 2013;10(7):1000–7.

    Google Scholar 

  78. Stein AD, Rivera JM, Pivarnik JM. Measuring energy expenditure in habitually active and sedentary pregnant women. Med Sci Sport Exerc. 2003;27(5):634–40.

    Google Scholar 

  79. Perkins CC, Pivarnik JM, Paneth N, Stein AD. Physical activity and fetal growth during pregnancy. Obstet Gynecol. 2007;109(1):81–7.

    Google Scholar 

  80. Barreira TV, Kang M, Caputo JL, Farley RS, Renfrow MS. Validation of the Actiheart monitor for the measurement of physical activity. Int J Exerc Sci. 2009;2(2):60–71.

    Google Scholar 

  81. Eston RG, Rowlands AV, Ingledew DK. Validity of heart rate, pedometry, and accelerometry for predicting the energy cost of children’s activities. J App Physiol. 1998;84(1):362–71.

    Google Scholar 

  82. Janz KF. Use of heart rate monitors to assess physical activity. In: Welk GJ, editor. Physical activity assessments for health-related research. 1st ed. United States: Human Kinetics; 2002. pp. 143–61.

    Google Scholar 

  83. Strath SJ, Swartz AM, Basset DR, O’Brien WL, King GA, Ainsworth BE. Evaluation of heart rate as a method for assessing moderate intensity physical activity. Med Sci Sport Exerc. 2000;32(9):465–70.

    Google Scholar 

  84. Freedson PS, Miller K. Objective monitoring of physical activity using motion sensors and heart rate. Res Quart Exerc Sport. 2000;71(2):21–9.

    Google Scholar 

  85. Welk GJ. Use of accelerometry-based activity monitors to assess physical activity. In: Welk GJ, editor. Physical activity assessments for health-related research. 1st ed. United States: Human Kinetics; 2002. pp. 125–40.

    Google Scholar 

  86. Corder K, Brage C, Mattocks C, Ness A, Riddoch C, Wareham NJ, Ekelund U. Comparison of two methods to assess PAEE during six activities in children. Med Sci Sports Exerc. 2007;39(12):2180–8.

    Google Scholar 

  87. Sallis JF, Saelens BE. Assessment of physical activity by self-report: status, limitations, and future directions. Res Quart Exercise Sport. 2000;71(2):1–7.

    Google Scholar 

  88. Strath SJ, Bassett DR, Thompson DL, Swarts AM. Validity of the simultaneous heart rate-motion sensor technique for measuring energy expenditure. Med Sci Sport Exerc. 2002;34(5):888–94.

    Google Scholar 

  89. Treuth MS. Applying multiple methods to improve the accuracy of activity assessments. In: Welk GJ, editor. Physical activity assessments for health-related research. 1st ed. United States: Human Kinetics; 2002. pp. 213–24.

    Google Scholar 

  90. Spierer DK, Hagins M, Rundle A, Pappas E. A comparison of energy expenditure estimates from the Actiheart and Actical physical activity monitors during low intensity activities, walking and jogging. Eur J App Physiol. 2011;111(4):659–68.

    Google Scholar 

  91. Brage S, Brage N, Franks PW, Ekelund U, Wareham NJ. Reliability and validity of the combined heart rate and movement sensor Actiheart. Eur J Clin Nutr. 2005;59(4):561–70.

    Google Scholar 

  92. Brage S, Brage N, Ekelund U, Franks PW, Wareham NJ. Effect of combined movement and heart rate monitor placement on physical activity estimates during treadmill locomotion and free-living. Euro J Appl Phys. 2006;96(5):517–24.

    Google Scholar 

  93. Campbell N, Prapavessis H, Gray C, McGowan E, Rush E, Maddison R. The Actiheart in adolescents: a doubly labelled water validation. Pediatr Exerc Sci. 2012;24(4):589–602.

    Google Scholar 

  94. Horns JF, Ratcliffe LP, Leggett JC, Swanson MS. Pregnancy outcomes among active and sedentary primiparous women. J Obstet Gynaecol Neonat Nurs. 1996;25(1):49–54.

    Google Scholar 

  95. Cioffi J, Schmied V, Dahlen H, Mills A, Thornton C, Duff M, et al. Physical activity in pregnancy: women’s perceptions, practices, and influencing factors. J Midwifery Women Health. 2010;55(5):455–61.

    Google Scholar 

  96. Duncombe D, Wertheim EH, Skouteris H, Paxton SJ, Kelly L. Factors related to exercise over the course of pregnancy including women’s beliefs about the safety of exercise during pregnancy. Midwifery. 2007;25(4):430–8.

    Google Scholar 

  97. Hinton PS, Olson CM. Predictors of pregnancy-associated change in physical activity in a rural white population. Matern Child Health J. 2001;5(1):7–14.

    Google Scholar 

  98. Agarwal S, Agarwal A, Agarwal KN, Agarwal DK, Bansal A. Physical activity and pregnancy outcome in rural undernourished women. Indian Pediatr. 2001;38:1017–22.

    Google Scholar 

  99. Bungum TJ, Peaslee DL, Jackson AW, Perez MA. Exercise during pregnancy and type of delivery in nulliparae. J Obstet Gynecol Neonat Nurs. 2000;29(3):258–64.

    Google Scholar 

  100. Hegaard HK, Damm P, Hedegaard M, Henriksen TB, Ottesen B, Dykes A, et al. Sports and leisure time physical activity during pregnancy in nulliparous women. Matern Child Health J. 2011;15(6):806–13.

    Google Scholar 

  101. Mottola MF, Campbell MK. Activity patterns during pregnancy. Can J App Physiol. 2003;28(4):642–53.

    Google Scholar 

  102. Pereira MA, Rifas-Shiman SL, Kleinman KP, Rich-Edwards JW, Peterson KE, Gillman MW. Predictors of change in physical activity during and after pregnancy. Am J Prev Med. 2007;32(4):312–9.

    Google Scholar 

  103. Albright C, Maddock JE, Nigg CR. Physical activity before pregnancy and following childbirth in a multiethnic sample of healthy women in Hawaii. Women Health. 2005;42(3):95–110.

    Google Scholar 

  104. Evenson KR, Savits DA, Huston SL. Leisure-time physical activity among pregnant women in the U.S. Paediatr Perinat Epidemiol. 2004;18(6):400–7.

    Google Scholar 

  105. Costa D D, Rippen N, Dritsa M, Ring A. Self-reported leisure-time physical activity during pregnancy and relationship to psychological well-being. J Psychosom Obstet Gynaecol. 2003;24(2):111–9.

    Google Scholar 

  106. Hatch MC, Ji BT, Shu XO, Susser M. Does standing, lifting, climbing or long hours of working during pregnancy have an effect during fetal growth? Epidemiol. 1997;8(5):530–6.

    Google Scholar 

  107. Ning Y, Williams MA, Dempsey JC, Sorensen TK, Frederick IO, Luthy DA. Correlates of recreational physical activity in early pregnancy. J Matern Fetal Neonatal Med. 2003;13(6):385–93.

    Google Scholar 

  108. Zhang J, Savits DA. Exercise during pregnancy among US women. Ann Epidemiol. 1996;6(1):53–9.

    Google Scholar 

  109. Domingues MR, Barros AJ. Leisure-time physical activity during pregnancy in the 2004 Pelotas Birth Cohort Study. Rev Saude Publ. 2007;41(2):173–80.

    Google Scholar 

  110. Barnes DL, Adair LS, Popkin BM. Women’s physical activity and pregnancy outcome: a longitudinal analysis from the Philippines. Int J Epidemiol. 1991;20(1):162–72.

    Google Scholar 

  111. Lui J, Blair SN, Teng Y, Ness AR, Lawlor DA, Riddoch C. Physical activity during pregnancy in a prospective cohort of British women: results from the Avon longitudinal study of parents and children. Eur J Epidemiol. 2010;26(3):237–47.

    Google Scholar 

  112. Brunette EL, Kotze J, Wood PS, Du Toit PJ, Grant CC. An epidemiological study of physical activity patterns and weight gain in physically active and sedentary pregnant women in Tshwane, South Africa. Afr J Phys Health Educ Recr Dance. 2012;18(1):132–43.

    Google Scholar 

  113. Dempsey JC, Sorensen TK, Williams MA, Lee IM, Miller RS, Dashow EE, et al. Prospective study of gestational diabetes mellitus risk in relation to maternal recreational physical activity before and during pregnancy. Am J Epidemiol. 2004;159(7):663–70.

    Google Scholar 

  114. Juhl M, Anderson PK, Olsen J, Madsen M, Jørgensen T, Nøhr EA, et al. Physical exercise during pregnancy and the risk of preterm birth: a study within the Danish National Birth Cohort. Am J Epidemiol. 2008;167(7):63e1–8.

    Google Scholar 

  115. Sørenson TK, Williams MA, Lee IM, Dashow EE, Thompson ML, Luthy DA. Recreational physical activity during pregnancy and risk of preeclampsia. Hypertension. 2003;41(6):1273–80.

    Google Scholar 

  116. Goldenberg RL, Cliver SP, Bronstein J, Cutter GR, Andrews WW, Mennemeyer ST. Bed rest in pregnancy. Obstet Gynecol. 1994;84(1):131–6.

    Google Scholar 

  117. Crowther CA, Han S. Hospitalisation and bed rest for multiple pregnancy. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2010;7:CD000110. doi:10.1002/14651858.CD000110.pub2.

    Google Scholar 

  118. Biolo G, Heer M, Nirici M, Strollo F. Microgravity as a model of ageing. Curr Opin Clin Nutr Metab Care. 2003;6(1):31–40.

    Google Scholar 

  119. Borodulin K, Evenson KR, Herring AH. Physical activity patterns during pregnancy through postpartum. BMC Women Health. 2009;19(9):32–9.

    Google Scholar 

  120. Szumilewicz A, Wojtyla A, Zarębska A, Drobnik-Kozakiewicz I, Sawczyn M, Kwitneiwska A. Influence of prenatal physical activity on the course of labour and delivery according to the new Polish standard for perinatal care. Ann Agric Environ Med. 2013;20(2):380–9.

    Google Scholar 

  121. Aaron DL, Jekal YS, LaPorte RE. Epidemiology of physical activity from adolescence to young adulthood. Word Rev Nutr Diet. 2005;94:36–41.

    Google Scholar 

  122. Wahlqvist ML. Physical activity for health: an overview. Word Rev Nutr Diet. 2005;95:62–72.

    Google Scholar 

  123. Helmrich SP, Ragland DR, Leung RW, Paffenbarger RS. Physical activity and reduced occurrence of non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus. N Engl J Med. 1991;325(3):147–52.

    Google Scholar 

  124. Kushi L, Fee R, Folsom AR, Mink PJ, Anderson KE, Sellers TA. Physical activity and mortality in postmenopausal women. J Am Med Assoc. 1989;277(16):1287–92.

    Google Scholar 

  125. Sandvik L, Erikssen J, Thaulow E, Erikssen G, Mundal R, Rodahl K. Physical fitness as a predictor of mortality among healthy, middle-aged Norwegian men. N Engl J Med. 1993;328(8):533–7.

    Google Scholar 

  126. Hu G, Jousilahti P, Barengo NC, Qiao Q, Lakka TA, Tuomilehto J. Physical activity, cardiovascular risk factors, and mortality among Finnish adults with diabetes. Diabetes Care. 2005;28(4):799–805.

    Google Scholar 

  127. Lee CD, Blair SN, Jackson AS. Cardiorespiratory fitness, body composition, and all-cause and cardiovascular disease mortality in men. Am J Clin Nutr. 1999;69(3):373–80.

    Google Scholar 

  128. Paisley TS, Joy EA, Price RJ. Exercise during pregnancy: a practical approach. Curr Sport Med Rep. 2003;2(6):325–30.

    Google Scholar 

  129. Burchfiel CM, Sharp DS, Curb JD, Rodriguez BL, Hwang LJ, Marcus B. Physical activity and incidence of diabetes: the Honolulu heart program. Am J Epidemiol. 1995;141(4):360–8.

    Google Scholar 

  130. Sigal JR, Kenny GP, Wasserman DH, Castaneda-Sceppa C, White RD. Physical activity/exercise and type 2 diabetes: a consensus statement from the American Diabetes Association. Diabetes Care. 2006;29(6):1433–8.

    Google Scholar 

  131. Ellekjær H, Holmen J, Ellekjaer E, Vatten L. Physical activity and stroke mortality in women: ten-year follow-up of the Nord-Trøndelag health survey, 1984–1986. Stroke. 2000;31(1):14–8.

    Google Scholar 

  132. Laaksonen DE, Lakka HM, Lynch J, Lakka TA, Kishanen L, Rauramaa R, et al. Cardiorespiratory fitness and vigorous leisure-time physical activity modify the association of small size at birth with the metabolic syndrome. Diabetes Care. 2003;26(7):2156–64.

    Google Scholar 

  133. Warburton DE, Nicol CW, Bredin SS. Health benefits of physical activity: the evidence. Can Med Assoc J. 2006;174(7):801–9.

    Google Scholar 

  134. Clapp JF. The course of labor after endurance exercise during pregnancy. Am J Obstet Gynecol. 1990;163(6):1799–805.

    Google Scholar 

  135. Sternfeld B. Physical activity and pregnancy outcome: review and recommendations. Sport Med. 1997;23(1):33–47.

    Google Scholar 

  136. Wolfe LA, Hall P, Webb KA, Goodman L, Monga M, McGrath MJ. Prescription of aerobic exercise during pregnancy. Sport Med. 1989;8(5):273–301.

    Google Scholar 

  137. Arena B, Maffulli N. Exercise in pregnancy: how safe is it? Sport Med Arthroscop Rev. 2002;10(1):15–22.

    Google Scholar 

  138. Wallace AM, Boyer DB, Dan A, Hol, Aerobic exercise K. Maternal self-esteem, and physical discomforts during pregnancy. J Nurs-Midwifery. 1986;31(6):255–62.

    Google Scholar 

  139. Bung P, Artal R, Khodiguian N, Kjos S. Exercise in gestational diabetes: an optional therapeutic approach? Diabetes. 1991;40(2):182–5.

    Google Scholar 

  140. Bung P, Artal R. Gestational diabetes and exercise: a survey. Semin Perinatol. 1996;20(4):328–33.

    Google Scholar 

  141. Borg-Stein J, Dugan SA, Gruber J. Musculoskeletal aspects of pregnancy. Am J Phys Med Rehab. 2005;84(3):180–92.

    Google Scholar 

  142. Hutchinson SL. Physical activity, recreation, leisure, and sport: essential pieces of the mental health and well-being puzzle [Internet]. Halifax: Recreation Nova Scotia; 2012 [cited 2012 July 6]. http://www.recreationns.ns.ca/wp-content/uploadhere/2012/05/MentalHealthLit.pdf.

  143. Adams TB, Moore MT, Dye J. The relationship between physical activity and mental health in a national sample of college females. Women Health. 2007;45(1):69–85.

    Google Scholar 

  144. Clapp JF, Rockey R, Treadway JL, Carpenter MW, Artal RM, Warrnes C. Exercise in pregnancy: a short review. Med Sci Sports Exerc. 1992;24(6):294–300.

    Google Scholar 

  145. Kritz-Silverstein D, Barrett-Conner E, Corbeau C. Cross-sectional and prospective study of exercise and depressed mood in the elderly. Am J Epidemiol. 2001;153(6):596–603.

    Google Scholar 

  146. Strawbridge WJ, Deleger S, Roberts R, Kaplan GA. Physical activity reduces the risk of subsequent depression for older adults. Am J Epidemiol. 2002;156(4):328–34.

    Google Scholar 

  147. Yang X, Telama R, Hirvensalo M, Hintsanen M, Heintsa T, Pulkki-Raback, et al. The benefits of sustained leisure-time physical activity on job strain. Occ Med. 2010;60(5):369–75.

    Google Scholar 

  148. Poudevigne MS, O’Conner PJ. Physical activity and mood during pregnancy. Med Sci Sport Exerc. 2005;37(8):1374–80.

    Google Scholar 

  149. Mottola MF. Exercise in the postpartum period: practical applications. Curr Sport Med Rep. 2002;1(6):362–8.

    Google Scholar 

  150. Carey GB, Quinn TJ. Exercise and lactation: are they compatible? Can J App Physiol. 2001;26(1):44–74.

    Google Scholar 

  151. Kalisiak B, Spitznagle T. What effect does an exercise program for healthy pregnant women have on the mother, fetus, and child? Am Acad Phys Med Rehab. 2009;1(3):261–7.

    Google Scholar 

  152. Domenjoz I, Kayser B, Boulvain M. Effect of physical activity during pregnancy on mode of delivery. Am J Obstet Gynecol. 2014; 21(4):401.e1–11.

    Google Scholar 

  153. Clapp JF. Exercise during pregnancy: a clinical update. Clin Sports Med. 2000;19(2):273–86.

    Google Scholar 

  154. Shangold MM. Exercise during pregnancy: current state of the art. Can Fam Physician. 1989;35:1675–80.

    Google Scholar 

  155. Van Oort AF. The relationship between habitual physical activity patterns of pregnant women and foetal growth parameters: a longitudinal observational study [dissertation]. Potchefstroom: North-West University; 2014.

    Google Scholar 

  156. Luke B, Papiernik E. The effects of lifestyle on prematurity. In: Elder MG, Lamont RF, Romero R, editors. Preterm labor. New York: Churchill Livingstone; 1997. pp. 127–52.

    Google Scholar 

  157. Mozurkewich EL, Luke B, Avni M, Fredric MW. Working conditions and adverse pregnancy outcome: a meta-analysis. Obstet Gynecol. 2000;95(4):623–35.

    Google Scholar 

  158. Edwards MJ. Hyperthermia as a teratogen: a review of experimental studies and their clinical significance. Teratog Carcinog Mutagen. 1986;6(6):563–82.

    Google Scholar 

  159. Milunsky A, Ulcickas M, Rothman KJ, Willett W, Jick SS, Jick H. Maternal heat exposure and neural tube defects. J Am Med Assoc. 1992;268(7):882–5.

    Google Scholar 

  160. Stevenson L. Exercise in pregnancy: part 2: recommendations for individuals. Can Fam Physician. 1997;(43):107–111.

    Google Scholar 

  161. Takito MY, Benício MH, Neri LC. Physical activity by pregnant women and outcomes for newborns: a systematic review. Revis Saúd Públic. 2009;43(6):1059–69.

    Google Scholar 

  162. Clapp JF, Little KD. The interaction between regular exercise and selected aspects of women’s health. Am J Obstet Gynecol. 1995;173(1):2–9.

    Google Scholar 

  163. Clapp JF. The effects of maternal exercise on early pregnancy outcome. Am J Obstet Gynecol. 1989;161(6):1453–7.

    Google Scholar 

  164. Clapp JF, Lopez B, Harcar-Swvcik R. Neonatal behavioural profile of the offspring of women who continued to exercise regularly throughout pregnancy. Am J Obstet Gynecol. 1999;180(1):91–4.

    Google Scholar 

  165. Clapp JF, Simonian S, Lopez B, Appleby-Wineberg S, Harcar-Sevcik R. The one-year morphometric and neurodevelopmental outcome of the offspring of women who continued to exercise regularly throughout pregnancy. Am J Obstet Gynecol. 1998;178(3):594–9.

    Google Scholar 

  166. Hall DC, Kaufmann DA. Effects of aerobic and strength conditioning on pregnancy outcomes. Am J Obstet Gynecol. 1987;157(5):1199–203.

    Google Scholar 

  167. Hatch MC, Shu XO, Mclean DE, Levin B, Begg M, Reuss L, et al. Maternal exercise during pregnancy, physical fitness, and fetal growth. Am J Epidemiol. 1993;137(10):1105–14.

    Google Scholar 

  168. Kardel KR, Kase T. Training in pregnant women: effects on fetal development and birth. Am J Obstet Gynecol. 1998;178(2):280–6.

    Google Scholar 

  169. Klebanoff MA, Shiono PH, Carey JC. The effect of physical activity during pregnancy on preterm delivery and birth weight. Am J Obstet Gynecol. 1990;163(5 Pt 1):1450–6.

    Google Scholar 

  170. Kulpa PJ, White BM, Visscher R. Aerobic exercise in pregnancy. Am J Obstet Gynecol. 1987;156(6):1395–403.

    Google Scholar 

  171. O’Neill ME. Maternal rectal temperature and fetal heart rate responses to upright cycling in late pregnancy. Brit J Sport Med. 1996;30(1):32–5.

    Google Scholar 

  172. Sternfeld B, Quesenberry CP, Eskenazi B, Newman LA. Exercise during pregnancy and pregnancy outcome. Med Sci Sport Exerc. 1995;27(5):634–40.

    Google Scholar 

  173. Magann EF, Evans SF, Weitz B, Newnham J. Antepartum, intrapartum, and neonatal significance of exercise on healthy low-risk pregnant working women. Obstet Gynecol. 2002;99(3):466–72.

    Google Scholar 

  174. Rao S, Kanade A, Margetts BM, Yajnik CS, Lubree H, Rege S, et al. Maternal activity in relation to birth size in rural India: the Pune Maternal Nutrition Study. Eur J Clin Nutr. 2003;57(4):531–42.

    Google Scholar 

  175. Campbell MK, Mottola MF. Recreational exercise and occupational activity during pregnancy and birth weight: a case-control study. Am J Obstet Gynecol. 2001;184(3):403–8.

    Google Scholar 

  176. Magann EF, Evans SF, Newnham JP. Employment, exertion, and pregnancy outcome: assessment by kilocalories expended each day. Am J Obstet Gynecol. 1996;175(1):182–7.

    Google Scholar 

  177. Wolfe LA, Mottola MF. Validation of guidelines for aerobic exercise in pregnancy. In: Kumbhare DA, Basmajian JV, editors. Decision making and outcomes in sport rehabilitation. New York: Churchill Livingstone; 2000. pp. 205–22.

    Google Scholar 

  178. Bell RJ. The effect of vigorous exercise during pregnancy on birth weight. J Sci Med Sport. 2002;5(1):32–6.

    Google Scholar 

  179. Derbyshire E, Davies GJ, Costarelli V, Dettmar PW. Habitual patterns of physical activity during pregnancy and postnatally. Matern Health. 2008;16(1):20–4.

    Google Scholar 

  180. Riemann MK, Kanstrup Hansen IL. Effects on the foetus of exercise in pregnancy. Scand J Med Sci Sport. 2000;10(1):12–9.

    Google Scholar 

  181. Artal R. Exercise and pregnancy. Clin Sport Med. 1992;11(2):363–77.

    Google Scholar 

  182. Bell RJ, O’Neill M. Exercise and pregnancy: a review. Birth. 1994;21(2):85–9.

    Google Scholar 

  183. Dewey KG, McCrory MA. Effects of dieting and physical activity on pregnancy and lactation. Am J Clin Nutr. 1994;59(2S):446-53.

    Google Scholar 

  184. Jarski RW, Tripett DL. The risks and benefits of exercise during pregnancy. J Fam Prac. 1990;30(2):185–9.

    Google Scholar 

  185. Lokey EA, Tran ZV, Wells CL, Meyers BC, Tran AC. Effects of physical exercise on pregnancy outcomes: a meta-analytic review. Med Sci Sport Exerc. 1991;23(11):1234–9.

    Google Scholar 

  186. Schick-Boschetto B, Rose NC. Exercise in pregnancy. Obstet Gynecol Sur. 1991;47(1):10–3.

    Google Scholar 

  187. Snyder JL. Aerobic exercise during pregnancy. J Am Board Fam Prac. 1990;3(1):50–3.

    Google Scholar 

  188. Clapp JF. Exercise and fetal health. J Develop Physiol. 1991;15(1):9–14.

    Google Scholar 

  189. Hutch R, Erkkola R. Pregnancy and exercise-exercise and pregnancy. A short review. Brit J Obstet Gynaecol. 1990;97(3):208–14.

    Google Scholar 

  190. McMurray RG, Mottola MF, Wolfe LA, Artal R, Millar L, Pivarnik JM. Recent advances in understanding maternal and fetal responses to exercise. Med Sci Sport Exerc. 1993;25(12):1305–21.

    Google Scholar 

  191. Revelli A, Durandom A, Massobrio M. Exercise and pregnancy: a review of maternal and fetal effects. Obstet Gynecol Sur. 1992;47(6):355–67.

    Google Scholar 

  192. Warren MP. Exercise in women: effects on reproductive system and pregnancy. Clin Sport Med. 1991;10(1):131–9.

    Google Scholar 

  193. Alderman BW, Zhao H, Holt VL, Watts DH, Beresford AA. Maternal physical activity in pregnancy and infant size for gestational age. Ann Epidemiol. 1998;8(8):513–9.

    Google Scholar 

  194. Bell RJ, Palma S. Antenatal exercise and birth weight. Aus N Z J Obstet Gynaecol. 2000;40(1):70–3.

    Google Scholar 

  195. Clapp JF, Kim H, Burciu B, Lopez B. Beginning regular exercise in early pregnancy: effect on fetoplacental growth. Am J Obstet Gynecol. 2000;183(6):1484–8.

    Google Scholar 

  196. Clapp JF, Kim H, Burciu B, Schmidt S, Petry K, Lopez B. Continuing regular exercise during pregnancy: effect of exercise volume on fetoplacental growth. Am J Obstet Gynecol. 2002;186(1):142–7.

    Google Scholar 

  197. Haakstad LAH, Bø K. Exercise in pregnant women and birth weight: a randomized controlled trial. BMC Pregnancy Childbirth. 2011;(11):66–73.

    Google Scholar 

  198. Marquez-Sterling S, Perry AC, Kaplan TA, Halberstein RA, Signorile JF. Physical and psychological changes with vigorous exercise in sedentary primigravidae. Med Sci Sport Exerc. 2000;32(1):58–62.

    Google Scholar 

  199. Prevedel T, Calderon I, Abadde J, Borges V, Rudge M. Maternal and perinatal effects of hydrotherapy in pregnancy. Rev Brasil Ginecol Obstet. 2003;25(1):53–9.

    Google Scholar 

  200. Price BB, Amini SB, Kappeler K. Exercise in pregnancy: effect on fitness and obstetric outcomes—a randomized trial. Med Sci Sport Exerc. 2012;44(12):2263–70.

    Google Scholar 

  201. Macera CA, Ham SA, Yore MM, Jones DA, Ainsworth BE, Kimsey CD, et al. Prevalence of physical activity in the United States: behavioral risk factor surveillance system. Prev Chron Dis. 2001;2(2):A17.

    Google Scholar 

  202. Hall MH, Chng PK, MacGillivray I. Is routine antenatal care worthwhile? Lancet. 1980;2(8185):78–80.

    Google Scholar 

  203. Juhl M, Olsen J, Anderson PK, Nøhr EA, Anderson AN. physical exercise during pregnancy and fetal growth measures: a study within the Danish National Birth Cohort. Am J Obstet Gynecol. 2010;202(1):1e1–8.

    Google Scholar 

  204. Barker DJP, Osmond C, Simmonds SJ, Wield GA. The relation of small head circumference and thinness at birth to death from cardiovascular diseases in adult life. BMJ. 1993;306(6875):422–6.

    Google Scholar 

  205. Oken E, Gillman MW. Fetal origins of obesity. Obes Res. 2003;11(4):496–506.

    Google Scholar 

  206. Martin JA, Hamilton BE, Sutton PD, Ventura SJ, Menacker F, Munson ML. Births: final data for 2003. Nat Vital Stat Rep. 2005;54(2):1–116.

    Google Scholar 

  207. Massett HA, Greenup M, Ryan CE, Staples DA, Green NS, Maibach EW. Public perceptions about prematurity: a national survey. Am J Prev Med. 2003;24(2):120–7.

    Google Scholar 

  208. Gardosi J, Mul T, Mongelli M, Fagan D. Analysis of birthweight and gestational age in antepartum stillbirths. Brit J Obstet Gynaecol. 1998;105(5):524–30.

    Google Scholar 

  209. Lobos H, Rennie JM, Lees C. The natural history of fetal growth restriction in women with abnormal uterine artery Doppler. Prenat Diag. 2005;25(4):331–2.

    Google Scholar 

  210. Breeze ACG, Lees CC. Prediction and perinatal outcomes of fetal growth restriction. Semin Fetal Neonat Med. 2007;12(5):383–97.

    Google Scholar 

  211. Vielwerth SE, Jensen RB, Larsen T, Greisen G. The impact of maternal smoking on fetal and infant growth. Early Hum Dev. 2007;83(8):491–5.

    Google Scholar 

  212. Lucas A. Programming by early nutrition in man. In: Bock GR, Whelan J, editors. The childhood environment and adult disease. Chichester: Wiley; 1991. pp. 38–50.

    Google Scholar 

  213. Lucas A. Role of nutritional programming in determining adult morbidity. Arch Dis Child. 1994;71(4):288–90.

    Google Scholar 

  214. Ekbom A, Hsieh CC, Lipworth L, Wolk A, Pontén J, Adami HO, et al. Perinatal characteristics in relation to incidence of and mortality from prostate cancer. BMJ (Res C editor). 1996;313(7053):337–41.

    Google Scholar 

  215. Innes K, Byers T, Schymura M. Birth characteristics and subsequent risk for breast cancer in very young women. Am J Epidemiol. 2000;152(12):1121–8.

    Google Scholar 

  216. Karter AJ, Rowell SE, Ackerman LM, Mitchell BD, Ferrara A, Selby JV, et al. Excess maternal transmission of type 2 diabetes. Diabetes Care. 1999;22(6):938–43.

    Google Scholar 

  217. Shaheen SO, Sterne JA, Montgomery SM, Azima H. Birth weight, body mass index and asthma in young adults. Thorax. 1999;54(5):396–402.

    Google Scholar 

  218. Barker DJP. Fetal origins of coronary heart disease. BMJ. 1995;311(6998):171–4.

    Google Scholar 

  219. Barker DJP, Osmond C, Golding J, Kuh D, Wadsworth MEJ. Growth in utero, blood pressure in childhood and adult life, and mortality from cardiovascular disease. BMJ. 1989;298(6673):564–7.

    Google Scholar 

  220. Barker DJP, Winter PD, Osmond C, Margetts B. Weight in infancy and death from ischemic heart disease. Lancet. 1989;2(8663):577–80.

    Google Scholar 

  221. Gupta R, Gupta VP. Meta-analysis of coronary heart disease in India. Indian Heart J. 1996;48(3):241–5.

    Google Scholar 

  222. Hales CN, Barker DJP, Clark PMS, Cox LJ, Fall CHD, Osmond C, et al. Fetal and infant growth and impaired glucose tolerance at age 64. BMJ. 1991;303(6809):1019–22.

    Google Scholar 

  223. Law CM, Shiell AW. Is blood pressure inversely related to birth-weight? The strength of evidence from a systematic review of the literature. J Hypertension. 1996;14(8):935–41.

    Google Scholar 

  224. Mckeigue PM, Shah B, Marmot MG. Relation of central obesity and insulin resistance with high diabetes prevalence and cardiovascular risk in South Asia. Lancet. 1991;377(8738):330–6.

    Google Scholar 

  225. Stien CE, Fall CHD, Kumaran K, Osmond C, Cox V, Barker DJP. Fetal growth and coronary heart disease in South India. Lancet. 1996;348(9037):1269–73.

    Google Scholar 

  226. Yajnik CS, Fall CHD, Vaidya U, Pandit AN, Bavdekar A, Bhat DS, et al. Fetal growth and glucose and insulin metabolism in four year old Indian children. Diabetic Med J Brit Diabetic Assoc. 1995;306(4):422–6.

    Google Scholar 

  227. Nair L, Nair MKC, Chacko DS. Markers of fetal onset adult diseases. Indian Pediatr. 2009;46:S48–54.

    Google Scholar 

  228. Rich-Edwards JW, Colditz GA, Stampfer MJ, Manson JE, Rosner B, Hankinson SE, et al. Birth-weight and the risk for type 2 diabetes mellitus in adult women. Ann Int Med. 1999;130(4 Pt 1):278–84.

    Google Scholar 

  229. Hediger ML, Overpeck MD, Kuczmarski RJ, McGlynn A, Maurer KR, Davis WW. Muscularity and fatness of infants and young children born small- or large-for-gestational-age. Pediatrics. 1998;102(5):E60–7.

    Google Scholar 

  230. Hammami M, Walters JC, Hockman EM, Koo WW. Disproportionate alterations in body composition of large for gestational age neonates. J Pediatr. 2001;138(6):817–21.

    Google Scholar 

  231. Vaessen N, Janssen JA, Heutink P, Hofman A, Lamberts SWJ, Oostra BA, et al. Association between genetic variation in the gene for insulin-like growth factor-I and low birthweight. Lancet. 2002;359(9311):1036–7.

    Google Scholar 

  232. Bobak M. Outdoor air pollution, low birth weight, and prematurity. Environ Health Perspect. 2000;108(2):173–6.

    Google Scholar 

  233. Dejmek J, Selevan SG, Benes I, Solansky I, Sram RJ. Fetal growth and maternal exposure to particulate matter during pregnancy. Environ Health Perspect. 1999;107(6):475–80.

    Google Scholar 

  234. Ha EH, Hong YC, Lee BE, Woo BH, Schwartz J, Christiani DC. Is air pollution a risk factor for low birth weight in Seoul? Epidemiology. 2001;12(6):643–8.

    Google Scholar 

  235. Maisonet M, Bush TJ, Correa A, Jaakkola JK. Relation between ambient air pollution and low birth weight in the northeastern United States. Environ Health Perspect. 2001;109(3):351–6.

    Google Scholar 

  236. Ritz B, Yu F. The effect of ambient carbon monoxide on low birth weight among children born in Southern California between 1989 and 1993. Environ Health Perspect. 1999;107(1):17–25.

    Google Scholar 

  237. Ritz B, Yu F, Chapa G, Fruin S. Effect of air pollution on preterm birth among children born in Southern California between 1989 and 1993. Epidemiol. 2000;11(5):502–11.

    Google Scholar 

  238. Wang X, Ding H, Ryan L, Xu X. Association between air pollution and low birth weight: a community-based study. Environ Health Persp. 1997;105(5):514–20.

    Google Scholar 

  239. Xu X, Ding H, Wang X. Acute effects of total suspended articles and sulphur dioxides on preterm delivery: a community-based cohort study. Arch Environ Health. 1995;50(6):407–15.

    Google Scholar 

  240. Maisonet M, Correa A, Misra D, Jaakkola JJK. A review of the literature on the effects of ambient air pollution on fetal growth. Environ Res. 2004;95(1):106–15.

    Google Scholar 

  241. De Santis M, De Luca C, Mappa I, Quattrocchi T, Angelo L, Cesari E. Smoking, alcohol consumption and illicit drug use in an Italian population of pregnant women. Eur J Obstet Gynecol Reprod Biol. 2011;159(1):106–10.

    Google Scholar 

  242. Jauniaux E, Greenough A. Short and long term outcomes of smoking during pregnancy. Early Hum Dev. 2007;83(11):697–8.

    Google Scholar 

  243. Pollack H, Lantz PM, Frohna JG. Maternal smoking and adverse birth outcomes among singletons and twins. Am J Pub Health. 2000;90(3):395–341.

    Google Scholar 

  244. Samper MP, Jiménez-Muro A, Nerín I, Marqueta A, Ventura P, et al. Maternal active smoking and newborn body composition. Early Hum Dev. 2012;88(3):141–5.

    Google Scholar 

  245. Figueras F, Meler E, Eixarch E, Francis A, Coll O, Gratacos E, et al. Association of smoking during pregnancy and fetal growth restriction: subgroups of higher susceptibility. Eur J Obstet Gynecol Reprod Biol. 2008;138(2):171–5.

    Google Scholar 

  246. Barker DJP, Gluckman PD, Robinson JS. Conference report: fetal origins of adult disease-report of the first international study group. Placenta. 1995;16(3):317–20.

    Google Scholar 

  247. Bernstein IM, Mongeon JA, Badger GJ, Solomon L, Heil SH, Higgins ST. Maternal smoking and its association with birth weight. Obstet Gynecol. 2005;106(5):986–91.

    Google Scholar 

  248. Källen K. The impact of maternal smoking during pregnancy on delivery outcome. Eur J Pub Health. 2001;11(3):329–33.

    Google Scholar 

  249. Horta BL, Victora CG, Menezes AM, Halpern R, Barros FC. Low birth weight, preterm births and intrauterine growth retardation in relation to maternal smoking. Paediatr Perinat Epidemiol. 1997;11(2):140–51.

    Google Scholar 

  250. Fantuzzi G, Aggazzotti G, Righi E, Faccinetti F, Bertucci E, Kanitz S. Preterm delivery and exposure to active and passive smoking during pregnancy: a case-control study from Italy. Paediatr Perinat Epidemiol. 2007;21(3):194–200.

    Google Scholar 

  251. Dekeyser-Boccara J, Milliez J. Smoking and ectopic pregnancy: is there a causal relationship? J Gynecol. 2005;34(1):119–23.

    Google Scholar 

  252. Jauniaux E, Burton GJ. Morphological and biological effects of maternal exposure to tobacco smoke on the feto-placental unit. Early Hum Dev. 2007;83(11):699–706.

    Google Scholar 

  253. Cnattingius S, Lambe M. Trends in smoking and overweight during pregnancy: prevalence, risk of pregnancy complications and adverse pregnancy outcomes. Semin Perinatol. 2002;26(4):286–95.

    Google Scholar 

  254. Kyrklund-Blomberg NB, Genuser G, Cnattingius S. Placental abruption and perinatal death. Paediatr Perinat Epidemiol. 2001;15(3):290–7.

    Google Scholar 

  255. Mitchell EA, Milerad J. Smoking and the sudden infant death syndrome. Rev Environ Health. 2006;21(2):81–104.

    Google Scholar 

  256. Wisborg K, Kesmodel U, Henriksen TB, Olsen SF, Secher NJ. Exposure to tobacco smoke in utero and the risk of stillbirth and death in the first year of life. Am J Epidemiol. 2001;154(4):322–7.

    Google Scholar 

  257. Andersson K, Arner P. Systemic nicotine stimulates human adipose tissue lipolysis through local cholinergic and catecholaminergic receptors. Int J Obes Metab Dis. 2001;25(8):1225–33.

    Google Scholar 

  258. Bernstein IM, Horbar JD, Badger GJ, Ohlsson A, Golan B. Morbidity and mortality among very-low-birth-weight neonates with intrauterine growth restriction: the Vermont Oxford Network. Am J Obstet Gynecol. 2000;182(1):198–206.

    Google Scholar 

  259. Cliver SP, Goldenberg MD, Cutter GR, Hoffman HJ, Davis RO, Nelson KG. The effect of cigarette smoking on neonatal anthropometric measurements. Obstet Gynecol. 1995;85(4):625–30.

    Google Scholar 

  260. Reeves S, Bernstein I. Effects of maternal tobacco-smoke exposure on fetal growth and neonatal size. Expert Rev Obstet Gynecol. 2008;3(6):719–39.

    Google Scholar 

  261. Hernández-Martínez C, Val VA, Subías JE, Sans JC. A longitudinal study on the effects of maternal smoking and secondhand smoke exposure during pregnancy on neonatal neurobehavior. Early Hum Dev. 2012;88(6):403–8.

    Google Scholar 

  262. Bruchova H, Vasikova A, Merkerova M, Milcova A, Topinka J, Balascak I, et al. Effect of maternal tobacco smoke exposure on the pacental transcriptome. Placenta. 2010;31(3):186–91.

    Google Scholar 

  263. Zhang J, Ratcliffe JM. Paternal smoking and birthweight in Shanghai. Am J Pub Health. 1993;83(2):207–10.

    Google Scholar 

  264. Eskenazi B, Prehn AW, Christianson RE. Passive and active maternal smoking as measured by serum cotinine: the effect on birthweight. Am J Pub Health. 1995;85(3):395–8.

    Google Scholar 

  265. Hansen C, Sorensen LD, Asmussen I, Autrup H. Transplacental exposure to tobacco smoke in human-adduct formation in placenta and umbilical cord vessels. Teratog Carcinog Mutagen. 1992;12(2):51–60.

    Google Scholar 

  266. Jauniaux E, Gulbis B, Acharya G, Thiry P, Rodeck C. Maternal tobacco exposure and cotinine levels in fetal fluids in the first half of pregnancy. Obstet Gynecol. 1999;93(1):25–9.

    Google Scholar 

  267. Luck W, Nau H, Hansen R, Stelding R. Extent of nicotine and cotinine transfer to the human fetus, placenta and amniotic fluid of smoking mothers. Dev Pharmacol Therap. 1985;8(6):384–95.

    Google Scholar 

  268. Lichtensteiger W, Ribary U, Schiumpf M, Odermatt B, Widemer HR. Prenatal adverse effects of nicotine on the developing brain. Prog Brain Res. 1988;73:137–57.

    Google Scholar 

  269. Rasmussen S, Irgens LM. The effects of smoking and hypertensive disorders on fetal growth. BMC Pregnancy Childbirth. 2006;6:16–23.

    Google Scholar 

  270. Windham GC, Hopkins B, Fenster L, Swan SH. Prenatal active or passive tobacco smoke exposure and the risk of preterm delivery or low birth weight. Epidemiol. 2000;11(4):427–33.

    Google Scholar 

  271. Morley R, Leeson PC, Lister G, Lucas A. Maternal smoking and blood pressure in 7.5 to 8 year old offspring. Arch Dis Child. 1995;72(2):120–4.

    Google Scholar 

  272. Williams S, Poulton R. Twins and maternal smoking: ordeals for the fetal origins hypothesis: a cohort study. BMJ. 1999;318(7188):897–900.

    Google Scholar 

  273. Power C, Jefferis BJ. Fetal environment and subsequent obesity: a study of maternal smoking. Int J Epidemiol. 2002;31(2):413–9.

    Google Scholar 

  274. Maconochie N, Doyle P, Prior S, Simmons R. Risk factors for the first trimester miscarriage—results from a UK-population-based case-control study. Int J Obstet Gynaecol. 2007;1114(2):170–86.

    Google Scholar 

  275. Burd L, Roberts D, Olson M, Odendaal H. Ethanol and the placenta: a review. J Matern-Fetal Neonat Med. 2007;20(5):361–75.

    Google Scholar 

  276. Barr HM, Bookstein FL, O’Malley KD, Connor PD, Huggins JE, Streissguth AP. Binge drinking during pregnancy as a predictor of psychiatric disorders on the structured clinical interview for DSM-IV in young adult offspring. Am J Psyc. 2006;163(6):1061–5.

    Google Scholar 

  277. Lazzaroni F, Bonassi S, Magnani M, Calvi A, Repetto E, Serra F, et al. Moderate maternal drinking and outcome of pregnancy. Eur J Epidemiol. 1993;9(6):599–606.

    Google Scholar 

  278. Little RE, Wendt JK. The effects of maternal drinking in the reproductive period: an epidemiologic review. J Subst Abuse. 1991;3(2):187–204.

    Google Scholar 

  279. O’Leary CM, Nassar N, Kurinczuk JJ, Bower C. The effect of maternal alcohol consumption on fetal growth and preterm birth. Int J Obstet Gynaecol. 2009;116(3):390–400.

    Google Scholar 

  280. Warren KR, Foudin LL. Alcohol-related birth defects—the past, present, and future. Alcohol Res Health. 2001;25(3):153–8.

    Google Scholar 

  281. Chiriboga CA. Fetal alcohol and drug effects. Neurologist. 2003;9(6):267–79.

    Google Scholar 

  282. Sokol RJ, Delaney-Black V, Nordstrom B. Fetal alcohol spectrum disorder. J Am Med Assoc. 2003;290(22):2996–9.

    Google Scholar 

  283. Henderson J, Gray R, Brocklehurst P. Systematic review of effects of low-moderate prenatal alcohol exposure on pregnancy outcome. Int J Obstet Gynaecol. 2007;114(3):243–52.

    Google Scholar 

  284. Henderson J, Kesmodel U, Nordstrom B. Systematic review of the fetal effects of prenatal binge-drinking. J Epidemiol Community Health. 2007;61(12):1069–73.

    Google Scholar 

  285. Hayatbakhsh MR, Kingsbury AM, Flenady V, Gilshenan KS, Hutchinson DM, Najman JM. Illicit drug use before and during pregnancy at a tertiary maternity. Drug Alcohol Rev. 2010;30(2):181–7.

    Google Scholar 

  286. Hatch EE, Bracken MB. Effect of marihuana use in pregnancy on fetal growth. J Ethnopharmacol. 1986;20(3):986–93.

    Google Scholar 

  287. Fried PA, Watkinson B, Willan A. Marijuana use during pregnancy and decreased length of gestation. Am J Obstet Gynecol. 1984;150(1):23–7.

    Google Scholar 

  288. Hingson R, Alpert JJ, Day N, Dooling E, Kayne H, Morelock S, et al. Effects of maternal drinking and marijuana. Pediatr. 1982;70(4):539–45.

    Google Scholar 

  289. Zuckerman R, Frank DA, Hingson R, Amaro H, Levenson SM, Kayne H, et al. Effects of maternal marijuana and cocaine use on fetal growth. Int J Gynecol Obstet. 1989;30(3):289–90.

    Google Scholar 

  290. Vagero D, Koupilova I, Leon DA, Lithell UB. Social determinants of birthweight, ponderal index and gestational age in Sweden in the 1920s and the 1980s. Acta Paediatr. 1999;88(4):445–53.

    Google Scholar 

  291. Collins J, David R, Symons R, Handler A, Wall S, Andes S. African-American mothers’ perception of their residential environment, stressful life events, and very low birthweight. Epidemiol. 1998;9(3):286–9.

    Google Scholar 

  292. Fang J, Madhavan S, Alderman M. Low birth weight: race and maternal nativity—impact of community income. Pediatr. 1999;103(1):1–6.

    Google Scholar 

  293. O’Campo P, Xu X, Wang M-C, Caughy M. Neighborhood risk factors for low birthweight in Baltimore: a multilevel analysis. Am J Pub Health. 1997;87(7):1113–8.

    Google Scholar 

  294. Roberts EM. Neighborhood social environments and the distribution of low birthweight in Chicago. Am J Pub Health. 1997;87(4):597–603.

    Google Scholar 

  295. Collins J, David R. Urban violence and African-American pregnancy outcome: an ecologic study. Ethnic Dis. 1997;7(3):184–90.

    Google Scholar 

  296. Copper R, Goldenberg R, Das A, Elder N, Swain M, Norman G, et al. The Preterm Prediction Study: maternal stress is associated with spontaneous preterm birth at less than thirty five weeks’ gestation. Am J Obstet Gynecol. 1996;175(5):1286–92.

    Google Scholar 

  297. Hickey CA, Cliver SP, Mulvihill FX, McNeal SF, Hoffman HJ, Goldenberg RL. Employment-related stress and preterm delivery: a contextual examination. Pub Health Rep. 1995;110(4):410–8.

    Google Scholar 

  298. Hoffman S, Hatch M. Stress, social support and pregnancy outcome: a reassessment based on recent research. Paediatr Perinat Epidemiol. 1996;10(4):380–405.

    Google Scholar 

  299. Sandman CA, Wadhwa PD, Chicz-DeMet A, Dunkel-Schetter C, Porto M. Maternal stress, HPA activity, and fetal/infant outcome. Ann NY Acad Sci. 1997;814(1):266–75.

    Google Scholar 

  300. Wadhwa P, Dunkel-Schetter C, Shicz-DeMet A, Porto M, Sandman C. Prenatal psychosocial factors and the neuroendocrine axis in human pregnancy. Psychosom Med. 1996;58(5):432–46.

    Google Scholar 

  301. LeClere FB, Wilson JB. Smoking behaviour of recent mothers, 18–44 years of age, before and after pregnancy: United States, 1990. Adv Data. 1997;288:1–11.

    Google Scholar 

  302. Wakefield M, Gillies P, Graham H, Madeley R, Symonds M. Characteristics associated with smoking cessation during pregnancy among working class women. Addiction. 1993;88(10):1423–30.

    Google Scholar 

  303. Walsh RA. Effects of maternal smoking on adverse pregnancy outcomes: examination of the criteria of causation. Hum Biol. 1994;66(6):1059–92.

    Google Scholar 

  304. Hattersley AT, Tooke JE. The fetal insulin hypothesis: an alternative explanation of the association of low birthweight with diabetes and vascular disease. Lancet. 1999;353(9166):1789–92.

    Google Scholar 

  305. Knight B, Shields BM, Turner M, Powell RJ, Yajnik CS, Hattersley AT. Evidence of genetic regulation of fetal longitudinal growth. Early Hum Dev. 2005;81(10):823–31.

    Google Scholar 

  306. Tower C, Baker P. The genetics of fetal growth restriction: implications for management. Rev Gynaecol Prac. 2006;6(1–2):99–105.

    Google Scholar 

  307. Guillaume M, Lapidus L, Beckers F, Lambert A, Björntorp P. Familial trends of obesity through three generations. Int J Obes Relat Metab Disord. 1995;19(3):5–9.

    Google Scholar 

  308. Okun N, Verma A, Mitchell BF, Flowerdew G. Relative importance of maternal constitutional factors and glucose intolerance of pregnancy in the development of newborn macrosomia. J Matern-Fetal Med. 1997;6(5):285–90.

    Google Scholar 

  309. Magnus P, Gjessing HK, Skrondal A, Skjaerven R. Paternal contribution to birth weight. J Epidemiol Community Health. 2001;55(12):873–7.

    Google Scholar 

  310. Skjaerven R, Wilcox AJ, Oyen N, Magnus P. Mothers’ birth weight and survival of their offspring. BMJ (Res C editor). 1997;314(7091):1376–80.

    Google Scholar 

  311. Preece MA, Moore GE. Genomic imprinting, uniparental disomy and foetal growth. Trends Endocrinol Metab. 2000;11(7):270–5.

    Google Scholar 

  312. Odent M. New reasons and new ways to study birth physiology. Int J Gynecol Obstet. 2001;75(1):39–45.

    Google Scholar 

  313. Bovbjerg ML, Siega-Riz AM. Exercise during pregnancy and cesarean delivery: north Carolina PRAMS, 2004–2005. Birth. 2009;36(3):200–7.

    Google Scholar 

  314. Chu SY, Bachman DJ, Callaghan WM, Whitlock EP, Dietz PM, Berg CJ, et al. Association between obesity during pregnancy and increased use of health care. N Engl J Med. 2008;3358(14):1444–53.

    Google Scholar 

  315. Bailit JL, Love TE, Mercer B. Rising caesarean rates: are patients sicker? Am J Obstet Gynecol. 2004;191(3):800–3.

    Google Scholar 

  316. Declercq E, Meacker F, Macdorman M. Maternal risk profiles and the primary cesarean rate in the United States, 1991–2002. Am J Pub Health. 2006;96(5):867–72.

    Google Scholar 

  317. Kabir AA, Steinmann WC, Myers L, Khan MM, Herrera EA, Yu S, et al. Unnecessary delivery in Louisiana: an analysis of birth certificate data. Am J Obstet Gynaecol. 2004;190(1):10–9.

    Google Scholar 

  318. Baicker K, Buckles KS, Chandra A. Geographic variation in the appropriate use of caesarean delivery. Health Aff. 2006;25(5):w355–67.

    Google Scholar 

  319. Shearer EL. Cesarean section: medical benefits and costs. Soc Sci Med. 1993;37(10):1223–31.

    Google Scholar 

  320. Melzer K, Schutz Y, Soehnchen N, Othenin-Girard V, Martinez de Tejada B, Irion O, et al. Effects of recommended levels of physical activity on pregnancy outcomes. Am J Obstet Gynecol. 2010;202(3):226.e1–6.

    Google Scholar 

  321. Beckmann CR, Beckman CA. Effect of a structured antepartum exercise program on pregnancy and labor outcome in primiparas. J Reprod Med. 1990;35(7):704–9.

    Google Scholar 

  322. Valgesoo T, Linkberg R. Effect of different physical exercises on pregnancy outcome. Acta Med Baltic. 1997;4(1):101–6.

    Google Scholar 

  323. Ghodsi Z, Asltoghiri M, Hajiloomohajerani M. Exercise and pregnancy: duration of labor stages and perineal tear rates. Proc Soc Behav Sci. 2012;(31):441–5.

    Google Scholar 

  324. Wong SC, Mkenzie DC. Cardiorespiratory fitness during pregnancy and its effect on outcome. Int J Sport Med. 1987;8(2):79–83.

    Google Scholar 

  325. Baciuk EP, Pereira RI, Cecatti JG, Braga AF, Cavalcante SR. Water aerobics in pregnancy: cardiovascular response, labor and neonatal outcomes. Reprod Health. 2008;21(5):10–21.

    Google Scholar 

  326. Salvesen KL, Mørkved S. Randomised controlled trial of pelvic floor muscle training during pregnancy. BMJ (Res C editor). 2004;329(7462):378–80.

    Google Scholar 

  327. Guszkowska M. Physical activity in relation to affetive states and labor anxiety in pregnant women. Med Sport. 2011;15(3):114–9.

    Google Scholar 

  328. Sayer AA, Cooper C. Fetal programming of body composition and musculoskeletal development. Early Hum Dev. 2005;81(9):735–44.

    Google Scholar 

  329. Barbet JP, Thornell LE, Butler-Browne GS. Immunocytochemical characterisation of two generations of fibres during the development of the human quadriceps muscle. Mech Dev. 1991;35(1):3–11.

    Google Scholar 

  330. Brook CG. Evidence for a sensitive period in adipose-cell replication in man. Lancet. 1972;2(7778):624–7.

    Google Scholar 

  331. McCance RA, Widdowson EM. The determinants of growth and form. P Roy Soc Lond. 1974;185(1078):1–17.

    Google Scholar 

  332. Law CM, Barker DJP, Osmond C, Fall CHD, Simmonds SJ. Early growth and abdominal fatness in adult life. J Epidemiol Community Health. 1992;46(3):184–6.

    Google Scholar 

  333. Rogers I. The influence of birthweight and intrauterine environment on adiposity and fat distribution in later life. Int J Obes Rel Metab Dis. 2003;27(7):755–77.

    Google Scholar 

  334. Silverman BL, Rizzo T, Green OC, Cho NH, Winter RJ, Ogata ES, et al. Long-term prospective evaluation of offspring of diabetic mothers. Diabetes. 1991;40(Suppl 2):121–5.

    Google Scholar 

  335. Fall CHD, Osmond C, Barker DJP, Clark PM, Hales CN, Stirling Y, et al. Fetal and infant growth and cardiovascular risk factors in women. BMJ. 1995;310(6977):428–32.

    Google Scholar 

  336. Gale CR, Martyn CN, Kellingray S, Eastell R, Cooper C. Intrauterine programming of adult body composition. J Clin Endocrinol Metab. 2001;86(1):267–72.

    Google Scholar 

  337. Parsons TJ, Power C, Logan S, Summerbell CD. Childhood predictors of adult obesity: a systematic review. Int J Obes Relat Metabc Dis. 1999;23(8):1–107.

    Google Scholar 

  338. Parsons TJ, Power C, Manor O. Fetal and early life growth and body mass index from birth to early adulthood in 1958. British cohort: longitudinal study. BMJ. 2001;323(7325):1331–5.

    Google Scholar 

  339. Rich-Edwards JW, Stampfer MJ, Manson JE, Rosner B, HanKinon SE, Colditz GA, et al. Birth weight and risk of cardiovascular disease in a cohort of women followed up since 1976. BMJ. 1997;315(7105):396–400.

    Google Scholar 

  340. Sørenson HT, Sabroe S, Rothman KJ, Gillman M, Fischer P, Sørensen TIA. Relation between weight and length at birth and body mass index in young adulthood. BMJ (Res C editor). 1997;315(7116):1137.

    Google Scholar 

  341. Loos RJ, Beunen G, Fagard R, Derom C, Vlietinck R. Birth weight and body composition in young adult men—a prospective twin study. Int J Obes Relat Metab Disord. 2001;25(10):1537–45.

    Google Scholar 

  342. Siega-Riz AM, Viswanathan M, Moos MK, Deierlein A, Mumford S, Knaack J, et al. A systematic review of outcomes of maternal weight gain according to the Institute of Medicine recommendations: birthweight, fetal growth, and postpartum weight retention. Am J Obstet Gynecol. 2009;201(4):339.e1–14.

    Google Scholar 

  343. Rooney BL, Schauberger CW. Excess pregnancy weight gain and long-term obesity: one decade later. Obstet Gynecol. 2002;100(2):245–52.

    Google Scholar 

  344. Cedergren M. Effects of gestational weight gain and body mass index on obstetric outcome in Sweden. Int J Gynecol Obstet. 2006;93(3):269–74.

    Google Scholar 

  345. Devine CM, Bove CF, Olson CM. Continuity and change in women’s weight orientations and lifestyle patterns and the postpartum period: the influence of life course trajectories and transitional events. Soc Sci Med. 2000;50(4):567–82.

    Google Scholar 

  346. American Pregnancy Association [Internet]. Eating for two when over/or under weight. At what rate should I gain weight during my pregnancy? [updated 2014 Jun; cited 2013 Jan 22]. 2008. Promoting Pregnancy Wellness; [about 8 screens]. http://americanpregnancy.org/pregnancyhealth/eatingfortwo.html.

  347. Azziz R, Woods KS, Reyna R, Key TJ, Knochenhauer ES, Yildiz BO. The prevalence and features of the polycystic ovary syndrome in an unselected population. J Clin Endocrinol Metab. 2004;89(6):2745–49.

    Google Scholar 

  348. March WA, Moore VM, Willson KJ, Phillips DI, Norman RJ, Davies MJ. The prevalence of polycystic ovary syndrome in a community sample assessed under contrasting diagnostic criteria. Hum Reprod. 2010;25(2):544–51.

    Google Scholar 

  349. Teede HJ, Hutchison SK, Zoungas S. The management of insulin resistance in polycystic ovary syndrome. Trends Endocrinol Metab. 2007;18(7):273–9.

    Google Scholar 

  350. Lord J, Thomas R, Fox B, Acharya U, Wilkin T. The central issue? Visceral fat mass is a good marker of insulin resistance and metabolic disturbance in women with polycystic ovary syndrome. Brit J Obstet Gynaecol. 2006;113(10):1203–9.

    Google Scholar 

  351. Harrison CL, Lombard CB, Moron LJ, Teede HJ. Exercise therapy in polycystic ovary syndrome: systemic review. Hum Reprod Update. 2011;17(2):171–83.

    Google Scholar 

  352. De Souza MJ, Toombs RJ, Scheid JL, O'Donnell E, West SL, Williams NI. High prevalence of subtle and severe menstrual disturbances in exercising women: confirmation using daily hormone measures. Hum Reprod. 2010;25(2):491–503.

    Google Scholar 

  353. Christo K, Prabhakaran R, Lamparello B, Cord J, Miller KK, Goldstein MA, Gupta N, Herzog DB, Klibanski A, Misra M. Bone metabolism in adolescent athletes with amenorrhea, athletes with eumenorrhea, and control subjects. Pediatrics. 2008;121(6):1127–36.

    Google Scholar 

  354. De Souza MJ, Williams NI. Physiological aspects and clinical sequelae of energy deficiency and hypoestrogenism in exercising women. Hum Reprod Update. 2004;10:433–48.

    Google Scholar 

  355. Gudmundsdottir SL, Flanders WD, Augestad LB. Physical activity and fertility in women: the North-Trøndelag health study. Hum Reprod. 2009;24(12):3196–204.

    Google Scholar 

  356. Olive DL. Exercise and fertility: an update. Curr Opin Obstet Gynecol. 2010;22(4):259–63.

    Google Scholar 

Download references

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

Authors

Corresponding author

Correspondence to Sarah J. Moss PhD, MBA .

Editor information

Editors and Affiliations

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

Copyright information

© 2016 Springer Science+Business Media New York

About this chapter

Cite this chapter

Moss, S., van Oort, A., Schutz, Y. (2016). Physical Activity and Pregnancy. In: Vaamonde, D., du Plessis, S., Agarwal, A. (eds) Exercise and Human Reproduction. Springer, New York, NY. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4939-3402-7_16

Download citation

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4939-3402-7_16

  • Published:

  • Publisher Name: Springer, New York, NY

  • Print ISBN: 978-1-4939-3400-3

  • Online ISBN: 978-1-4939-3402-7

  • eBook Packages: MedicineMedicine (R0)

Publish with us

Policies and ethics