Correlates of Pre-pregnancy Physical Inactivity Among Parous Women: Results from the Pregnancy Risk Assessment Monitoring System

Background: Less than 40 percent of U.S. women of reproductive age achieve the recommended amount of physical activity. Women with children in the home may face unique barriers to being physically active. The purpose of this study was to identify factors predictive of pre-pregnancy physical inactivity among a population-based sample of parous women.

Methods: Data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Pregnancy Risk Assessment Monitoring System (PRAMS) were analyzed to assess the prevalence of self-reported physical activity in the three months prior to pregnancy among women who delivered a live birth in 2004 in Maine, North Carolina, and Washington. Statistically significant (p<0.10) predictors of pre-pregnancy physical inactivity among parous women were identified using a backward selection approach to logistic regression model building.

Results: Of the 2,233 parous women surveyed in PRAMS, 43% reported not participating in any physical activity or exercise for 30 minutes or more at least one day per week, compared to 35% of the 1,796 nulliparous respondents. Predictors of pre-pregnancy physical inactivity among parous women included lower education level, higher or lower than normal pre-pregnancy body mass index, and higher number of children.

Conclusions: Physical inactivity in the three months prior to pregnancy is more common among parous women than nulliparous women. Targeted interventions during the interconception period may be warranted to support reductions in rates of pre-pregnancy physical inactivity. Such efforts should consider addressing unique barriers to physical activity for women who have children in the home, such as child care.