Prenatal Physical Activity, Pre-Pregnancy BMI, and Their Relationship with Gestational Diabetes: A Retrospective-Prospective Single-Center Study.

BACKGROUND

In recent years, there has been an increase in the incidence of gestational diabetes (GDM) with serious risks for both mother and child. Pre-pregnancy BMI and physical activity significantly influence GDM development. Promoting a healthy lifestyle is essential to prevent GDM and improve health outcomes for mother and baby.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to evaluate the relationship between pre-pregnancy physical activity and pre-pregnancy BMI and the occurrence of gestational diabetes, as well as to assess their impact on the development of complications associated with gestational diabetes.

METHODS

A retrospective-prospective study was conducted from October 2024 to December 2024 at a tertiary referral hospital in Poland. The study included 205 pregnant women (42 with gestational diabetes, 163 without gestational diabetes) who met the inclusion criteria. Data were collected using a self-administered questionnaire and the Polish version of the Get Active Questionnaire for Pregnancy (GAQ-P). The impact of pre-pregnancy physical activity and pre-pregnancy BMI on the occurrence of gestational diabetes was assessed based on data collected from both surveys and medical records analysis. Statistical analyses included Pearson's chi-square tests, logistic regression, and Cramér's V coefficient to determine the relationship between pre-pregnancy physical activity and ppBMI and the occurrence of gestational diabetes.

RESULTS

The study revealed that pre-pregnancy BMI and gestational weight gain were significant predictors, with a higher BMI increasing the risk of gestational diabetes. In contrast, physical activity before pregnancy-including its frequency, intensity, and duration-was not a significant predictor. Additionally, no significant associations were found between physical activity and birth weight, mode of delivery, or preterm birth. These findings highlight the role of pre-pregnancy BMI in gestational diabetes risk while suggesting that physical activity before conception may have a limited impact.

CONCLUSIONS

These results highlight the significant role of pre-pregnancy body mass index (BMI) in the development of gestational diabetes, emphasizing the need for targeted interventions aimed at maintaining a healthy weight before conception. They suggest that weight management strategies should be an important component of gestational diabetes prevention. Future research should further investigate the complex interaction between lifestyle factors and metabolic health to refine preventive recommendations and improve health outcomes for mothers and newborns.