Physical Activity Levels of Pregnant Women at the time of diagnosis with Gestational Diabetes Attending a Tertiary Care Hospital in Lucknow City, Uttar Pradesh

Abstract

Introduction:  Gestational Diabetes Mellitus (GDM) is one of the pregnancy complications characterized by carbohydrate intolerance that develops or is discovered during pregnancy. Physical inactivity and excessive gestational weight gain have been identified as independent risk factors for maternal obesity and pregnancy-related disorders, such as gestational diabetes. Awareness of the significance of physical activity for bodily and psychological health is vitally essential. The woman and her family members need to be swayed to change with time and let go of their myths and false cultural perceptions that exercise can harm the baby. Objective: To determine the physical activity pattern of pregnant women at the time of diagnosis with GDM. Methods: 188 pregnant women diagnosed with gestational diabetes mellitus was selected for the study. Pregnancy Physical Activity Questionnaire (PPAQ) having 32 questions was used to determine the duration; frequency, intensity, and type of physical activity during pregnancy. Participants were asked to select the physical activity and time spent on it per day during the current gestational period. From the PPAQ, average weekly energy expenditure in the Metabolic Equivalent of Task (MET-h-week) was calculated. Demographic data were collected including age, socioeconomic status, parity, literacy and working status. Results: A Total of 188 participants were enrolled. Household and caregiving type of activities of light intensity were commonly practised by pregnant women. The physical activity of moderate intensity was less performed by the pregnant women. None of the pregnant women was involved in the vigorous type of physical activity. Conclusion: The study concluded that household and caregiving-type activities with light intensity were commonly carried by pregnant women.