Physical Activity and Sedentary Behavior Patterns Before and During Pregnancy in a Multi-ethnic Sample of Asian Women in Singapore

Abstract

Objectives: To describe physical activity (PA) and sedentary behavior (SB) patterns before and during pregnancy among Chinese, Malay and Indian women. In addition, to investigate determinants of change in PA and SB during pregnancy.

Methods: The Growing Up in Singapore Towards healthy Outcomes cohort recruited first trimester pregnant women. PA and SB (sitting time and television time) before and during pregnancy were assessed as a part of an interview questionnaire at weeks 26-28 gestational clinic visit. Total energy expenditure (TEE) on PA and time in SB were calculated. Determinants of change in PA and SB were investigated using multiple logistic regression analysis.

Results: PA and SB questions were answered by 94 % (n = 1171) of total recruited subjects. A significant reduction in TEE was observed from before to during pregnancy [median 1746.0-1039.5 metabolic equivalent task (MET) min/week, p < 0.001]. The proportion of women insufficiently active (<600 MET-min/week) increased from 19.0 to 34.1 % (p <0.001). Similarly, sitting time (median 56.0-63.0 h/week, p < 0.001) and television time (mean 16.1-16.7 h/week, p = 0.01) increased. Women with higher household income, lower level of perceived health, nausea/vomiting during pregnancy and higher level of pre-pregnancy PA were more likely to reduce PA. Women with children were less likely to reduce PA. Women reporting nausea/vomiting and lower level of pre-pregnancy sitting time were more likely to increase sitting time.

Conclusions for practice: Participants substantially reduced PA and increased SB by 26-28 weeks of pregnancy. Further research is needed to better understand determinants of change in PA and SB and develop effective health promotion strategies.

Keywords: Changes in pregnancy; Physical activity; Pregnancy; Sedentary behavior; Television.