Physical activity in the second trimester of pregnancy in relation to employment and teleworking availability: A multicenter study

<p>Purpose</p><p>The impact of teleworking on physical activity (PA) during pregnancy has not been fully elucidated. This study aimed to describe the PA level of pregnant women according to their employment and teleworking availability and evaluate the magnitude of the association between PA and these working availability in the second trimester.</p><p>Methods</p><p>This cross-sectional study was part of The Japan Pregnancy Eating and Activity Cohort Study conducted in four prefectures. Participants were recruited from March 2020 to October 2022, including the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic. PA was assessed using the Japanese version of the self-administered Pregnancy Physical Activity Questionnaire 2020. Participants were classified as non-workers, teleworkers, and on-site workers. The data of 864 participants were stratified by parity, and analyzed via analysis of covariance.</p><p>Results</p><p>Teleworkers performed significantly more total PA than non-workers, regardless of parity. In terms of intensity and PA type, teleworkers and on-site workers were more sedentary and performed significantly more occupational PA and less household/caregiving PA than non-workers among primiparas. Only primiparous teleworkers performed significantly less light PA, with no significant difference in moderate PA, than non-workers. Among multiparas, teleworkers and on-site workers were more sedentary and performed significantly more occupational PA and less light PA and household/caregiving PA. Compared to non-workers, only multipara teleworkers showed no significant difference in moderate PA.</p><p>Conclusion</p><p>Teleworkers performed more total PA, sedentary activity, and less light PA than non-workers, like on-site workers. Increased sedentary time is related to higher risk of pregnancy complications and unfavorable birth outcomes. Therefore, healthcare professionals may need to encourage pregnant teleworkers to replace sedentary with PA of any intensity as much as possible.</p>