Journal of Clinical and Diagnostic Research, 2018, Nov, Vol-12(11): QC12-QC16 12 12 DOI: 10.7860/JCDR/2018/36692.12245 Original Article Obstetrics and Gynaecology Section Physical Activity during Pregnancy and its Relationship with the Functional Status of Primiparous Women Six Weeks after Childbirth: A Cohort Study INTRODUCTION As the most significant life-changing event in a woman’s life, pregnancy and motherhood can reduce certain health-promoting behaviours, such as physical activity [1]. Physical activity refers to any bodily movement performed by the skeletal muscles that requires energy and involves any type of exercise or lifestyle-related activity. Physical inactivity or the lack of regular exercise is the fourth main cause of death across the world that accounts for 6% of all deaths [2]. Regular exercise plays a great part in physical and psychological health, while physical inactivity, especially in pregnant women, causes health problems [3]. Regular physical activity has been recommended both during pregnancy and after childbirth in order to promote the health of the mother, fetus and newborn [4]. Given the increase in mental and physical needs during pregnancy, pregnant women are particularly prone to reduced physical activity [1]. Physical activity before and during pregnancy has protective effects against pre-eclampsia [5], gestational diabetes [6] and mood disorders [7]. Borodulin K et al., examined the amount, intensity, duration, frequency and types of physical activity at weeks 17-22 and 27-30 weeks of pregnancy in 1482 pregnant women and reported that domestic and household activities and entertainment and leisure time activities make up a great portion of pregnant women’s physical activity [8]. In a review study on physical activity during pregnancy, Schlussel MM et al., revealed that light- to moderate-intensity activities in women during pregnancy have a positive effect on maternal and neonatal outcomes [9]. Postpartum recovery may involve physical and psychological aspects [10]. It is important to achieve optimal performance during the postpartum period for both mothers and babies to regain and maintain optimal health [11]. Functional status is defined as “a multidimensional concept encompassing the mother’s readiness to assume infant care responsibilities and resume self care, household, social and community, and occupational activities” [12]. Women assume many roles in their lifetime, with motherhood being among the most difficult and time-consuming [13]. The maternal role may require the mother to reorganize her life and reassign priorities to handle these responsibilities [14]. Evaluating functional status can be effective for investigating postpartum depression in women [15]. A study by Barkin JL et al., aimed to assess the functional status of women with low income levels, and revealed that a high level of postpartum depression was associated with a decline in women’s functional status [16]. A study by Mirghafourvand M et al., in Iran reported a relationship between functional status in postpartum women and maternal self-efficacy for baby care [17]. Given the importance of improving postpartum functional status in women for the mother and the newborn [18] and that the services provided for mothers after childbirth are mainly concerned with physical care [19], identifying the factors that accelerate the improvement of functional status in women can be helpful. Moreover, improving physical activity is a strategy that can be effective in promoting women’s health after childbirth [20]. Physical activity can also reduce the symptoms of depression after childbirth, improve mood disorder and increase the level of energy and endurance both MOJGAN MIRGHAFOURVAND 1 , SAKINEH MOHAMMAD-ALIZADEH-CHARANDABI 2 , MOHAMMAD ASGHARI JAFARABADI 3 , SEDIGHEH SOLTANPOUR 4 , VIDA AGHAMIRI 5 , MARZIEH BAGHERINIA 6 Keywords: Functional status, Physical activity, Postpartum period, Pregnancy ABSTRACT Introduction: The transition to motherhood is a major life event that affects all aspects of psychosocial functioning. Aim: The aim of this study was to determine the relationship between physical activity during pregnancy and postpartum functional status. Materials and Methods: This cohort study was carried out on 165 Iranian women 18-35 years old referred to health centers of Tehran from April 2013 to March 2014. Pregnant women were selected by proportional distribution to each center. International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ) was completed by pregnant women in 28-34 weeks and they were categorized into two groups; low (68 patients), and moderate and high (97 cases) groups, according to the physical activity level. Follow-up in both groups continued until 6 weeks postpartum and Inventory of Functional Status after Childbirth (IFSAC) was completed at the end of six week postpartum period. Independent-t test was used for data analysis. Results: No statistically significant difference was observed between the two groups in terms of sociodemographic characteristics (p>0.05). In the low physical activity group, the mean (standard deviation) of the total score of physical activity was 1680.9 (2204.7), and in the moderate and high group, it was 3182.6 (3946.5). Two groups were not significantly different in terms of the mean score of functional status (p=0.279). Conclusion: The results of the present study showed that physical activity during the third trimester of pregnancy has no significant effects on functional status after childbirth in primiparous women. Appropriate strategies should be adopted to encourage women to participate in physical activities so as to promote maternal and neonatal health during pregnancy and after childbirth.