Long-lasting effects of pregnancy and childbirth on physical activity in early school-age children

Recent data indicate that only one-third of adults and children achieve the recommended level of physical activity. Early childhood is the time when health habits are formed, and physical activity is crucial for children’s development. Their low levels of physical activity are a global problem. Therefore, it is important to study the influence of factors affecting children’s physical activity. The aim of this study was to determine the relationship between prenatal and perinatal factors—including maternal age, chronic diseases during pregnancy, smoking, physical activity during pregnancy, delivery complications, and the route and duration of delivery—and the physical activity levels of children aged 7–10 years. The study was conducted as a cross-sectional observational study with 207 mothers of children who completed a questionnaire on the course of pregnancy and delivery and the PAQ-A Physical Activity Questionnaire for Adolescents, assessing their children’s physical activity levels. Statistical analysis showed a higher level of activity among children whose mothers had no chronic diseases, were active during pregnancy and gave birth vaginally. No statistically significant differences were found between children’s activity levels and sociodemographical data, birth mass or complications of the neonatal period. The results indicate that children’s health habits are strongly related to mothers’ physical activity during pregnancy and their health status. The findings can be used to develop intervention strategies to promote physical activity among pregnant women and their children, thus, improving their future health.