The effect of physical activity during pregnancy on preterm delivery and birth weight

Article Abstract:

The effects of physical activity during pregnancy on premature birth and birth weight has been a subject of considerable investigation; however, results have been conflicting. To learn more about this issue, 7,101 women who were part of a multicenter study were interviewed concerning their physical activity during a typical day in the first five months of pregnancy. The interviews took place between 23 and 26 weeks' gestation, and results were analyzed after pregnancy ended. Demographic differences were found for different activity levels; thus, prolonged heavy work and standing were more common among Hispanic women and women interviewed at the San Antonio center. Women with more education were less likely to participate in such work. These differences are discussed in detail. Women who spent more time standing had a slightly increased risk of premature birth; with eight or more hours per day spent standing, the risk of delivery before 37 weeks' gestation was 28 percent higher than with no standing. Premature delivery was more common among women who were black, smokers, or lived in Texas. Heavy work, though, was not associated with preterm birth. Women who performed light work or exercise were less likely than those who did not work to deliver preterm. No trend was seen that related birth weight to activity level. The dilemma faced by employed women who may be required to work to retain their salaries and medical benefits, when the work itself may threaten the pregnancy, is noted. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)

Exercise, Exercise physiology, Women's fitness, Premature labor, Pregnancy, Complications of, Pregnancy complications

---

The impact of cocaine and marijuana use on low birth weight and preterm birth: a multicenter study

Article Abstract:

Cocaine and marijuana use may not be associated with low birth weight or preterm birth. However, one-third of pregnant women smoked and cigarette smoking is associated with low birth weight. The effect of cocaine, marijuana, and cigarette smoking was evaluated among 7470 women attending seven geographically diverse clinics. Drug exposure was determined through an interview that took place at 23 to 26 weeks gestation and through periodic assay of blood serum. Overall, 2.3% of women used cocaine and 11% used marijuana. Marijuana had no adverse effects on birth outcomes. Cocaine use increased the odds of premature separation of the placenta from the uterine wall by 4.2 times. Cigarette smokers had 1.5 times the odds of having a low birth weight baby. Fifteen percent of all cases of low birth weight could have been prevented if none of the women in this population had smoked cigarettes. Smoking cessation programs would have more effect on outcomes than drug detection programs among the general population.

Cocaine abuse, Drug abuse, Premature birth, Marijuana

---

Early pregnancy threshold vaginal pH and Gram stain scores predictive of subsequent preterm birth in asymptomatic women

Article Abstract:

Research has been conducted on preterm biths. The authors have investigated early pregnancy markers which could predict preterm births, and they report that women with vaginal pH of 4.5 or greater and Gram stain score of 9 to 10 have increased preterm births.

United States, Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences, Science & research, Research and Testing Services, Gynecological R&D, Research, Analysis, Diagnosis, Infants (Premature), Premature infants, Hydrogen-ion concentration, Obstetrics, Gynecological research, Obstetrical diagnosis, Gram's stain

Similar abstracts:

• Abstracts: The effect of maternal hyperoxia on behavioral activity in growth-retarded human fetuses. Human fetal behavioral states after vibratory stimulation
• Abstracts: Rate and amount of weight gain during adolescent pregnancy: associations with maternal weight-for-height and birth weight
• Abstracts: The efficacy of preemployment drug screening for marijuana and cocaine in predicting employment outcome. Costs and benefits of preemployment drug screening
• Abstracts: The effects of a 5-lipoxygenase inhibitor on asthma induced by cold, dry air. Leukotrienes in asthma and allergic rhinitis
• Abstracts: Dentists' ability to detect psychological problems in patients with temporomandibular disorders and chronic pain

This website is not affiliated with document authors or copyright owners. This page is provided for informational purposes only. Unintentional errors are possible.