In September 2019 researchers from Brazil published their study to assess the association between physical activity in early pregnancy and risk of gestational diabetes in low-income women. A total of 544 pregnant women were involved in the study. Information on physical activity during early pregnancy was collected via questionnaire and categorized as sedentary, light, moderate, or vigorous intensity. Nearly half of all pregnant women were assessed as being physically inactive, and none were classified as being vigorous physical active. Gestational diabetes was diagnosed in 95 (17%) of the women, and it was noted that the body mass index was higher in the gestational diabetes group. Results showed that physical inactivity was associated with a higher risk of gestational diabetes, which did not change after adjusting for several confounding factors.
do Nascimento GR et al. Physical activity pattern in early pregnancy and gestational diabetes mellitus risk among low-income women: A prospective cross-sectional study. SAGE Open Med. 2019 Sep 9;7:2050312119875922