Association of Self-Reported Physical Fitness with Pregnancy Related Symptoms the GESTAFIT Project

Nuria Marín-Jiménez, Milkana Borges-Cosic, Olga Ocón-Hernández, Irene Coll-Risco, Marta Flor-Alemany, Laura Baena-García, José Castro-Piñero and Virginia A. Aparicio
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Nuria Marín-Jiménez: Department of Physical Education and Sport, Faculty of Sport Sciences, University of Granada, 18071 Granada, Spain
Milkana Borges-Cosic: Department of Physical Education and Sport, Faculty of Sport Sciences, University of Granada, 18071 Granada, Spain
Olga Ocón-Hernández: Biohealth Research Institute in Granada (ibs.GRANADA), 18012 Granada, Spain
Irene Coll-Risco: Sport and Health University Research Institute (IMUDS), 18007 Granada, Spain
Marta Flor-Alemany: Sport and Health University Research Institute (IMUDS), 18007 Granada, Spain
Laura Baena-García: Department of Nursing, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Granada, 18016 Granada, Spain
José Castro-Piñero: GALENO Research Group, Department of Physical Education, Faculty of Education Sciences, University of Cádiz, 11519 Cádiz, Spain
Virginia A. Aparicio: Sport and Health University Research Institute (IMUDS), 18007 Granada, Spain

IJERPH, 2021, vol. 18, issue 7, 1-12

Abstract: We explored the association of physical fitness (PF) with pregnancy-related symptoms, at the 16th and 34th gestational weeks (g.w.). The International Fitness Scale and the Pregnancy Symptoms Inventory were employed to assess self-reported PF and pregnancy-related symptoms, respectively. At the 16th g.w. greater self-reported overall PF was associated with lower incidence of urinary frequency ( p = 0.020); greater overall PF, cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF), muscular strength and speed-agility were associated with lower incidence of tiredness-fatigue (all, p < 0.05); greater overall PF and speed-agility were associated with lower incidence of poor sleep (both, p < 0.05); greater CRF and flexibility were associated with lower limitations by tiredness-fatigue (both, p < 0.05); and greater flexibility was associated with lower limitations by poor sleep ( p = 0.021). At the 34th g.w. greater self-reported overall PF, CRF and muscular strength were associated with lower incidence of tiredness-fatigue (all, p < 0.05); greater CRF was associated with lower incidence of poor sleep ( p = 0.019); and, greater flexibility was associated with lower incidence of increased vaginal discharge ( p = 0.023). Adequate levels of PF, especially CRF, may help women to cope with the most endorsed pregnancy-related symptoms and its limitations, especially tiredness-fatigue and poor sleep.

Keywords: International Fitness Scale; gestation; strength; flexibility; cardiorespiratory fitness; agility; pregnancy discomfort. (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: I I1 I3 Q Q5 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2021
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