Physical activity, sitting time and sleep duration before and during pregnancy and pregnancy outcomes: A prospective panel study

Aims and objectives To examine how changes in physical activity, sitting time and sleep duration through pre‐, mid‐ and late pregnancy are in association with Caesarean section, medically indicated Caesarean section and small for gestational age. Background While circadian activities could change throughout pregnancy, studies exploring the effect of change in those activities on pregnancy outcomes remain limited. Design This study applied a prospective panel design. Methods A self‐reported questionnaire was used to assess the three activities before and during pregnancy and was administered three times from August 2015–July 2017. Multiple logistic regression models were used. The analysis included 488, 477 and 455 participants in the models for Caesarean section, medically indicated Caesarean section and small for gestational age, respectively. This study followed the STROBE guidelines. Results The mean age of participants was 32.18 years, and more than half (54.90%) were primiparous. Sleep duration of >8 hr/day before pregnancy and experiencing a decrease in mid‐pregnancy was a risk factor for Caesarean section and medically indicated Caesarean section. Sitting ≥8 hr/weekday in pre‐, mid‐ and late pregnancy had a protective effect for Caesarean section and medically indicated Caesarean section. Sitting