title: Influence of Habitual Physical Activity During Late Pregnancy on the Duration of Labor.
abstract: Physical activity during pregnancy has numerous benefits, but the influence on the duration of labor is unclear. We investigated the influence of habitual physical activity during late pregnancy on the duration of labor, with consideration of previous delivery experience and the stage of labor.
  
  
  
  This prospective study included 103 women (48 nulliparous, 55 multiparous) in late pregnancy. Habitual physical activity was evaluated using the Baecke physical activity questionnaire (BQ). Women were divided into a high activity group (HA) and a low activity group (LA) based on their median total BQ score. Data pertaining to the duration of labor were obtained from the birth records after delivery.
  
  
  
  In multiparous women, the duration of the second stage of labor was significantly shorter in the HA group than in the LA group [median (range): HA, 11 min (1-102 min); LA, 20 min (4-175 min); P < .05]. The significant difference persisted after adjusting for confounding variables (standardized β = -0.34; P = .01). In nulliparous women, there were no significant differences in duration of labor between groups.
  
  
  
  Higher physical activity in multiparous women during late pregnancy might positively influence the duration of the second stage of labor.
authors.forename: Yuki
authors.initials: Y
authors.lastname: Kondo
authors.forename: Ryuichi
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Sawa
authors.forename: Aoi
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Ebina
authors.forename: Masayo
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Takada
authors.forename: Hiromi
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Fujii
authors.forename: Yoko
authors.initials: Y
authors.lastname: Okuyama
authors.forename: Yuko
authors.initials: Y
authors.lastname: Tanikawa
authors.forename: Kaoru
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Souke
authors.forename: Rei
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Ono
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D036861:Delivery, Obstetric / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D015444:Exercise / Q000502:physiology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007744:Obstetric Labor Complications / Q000517:prevention & control; D010298:Parity; D011247:Pregnancy; D011263:Pregnancy Trimester, Third / Q000502:physiology*; D011446:Prospective Studies; D013997:Time Factors
keywords: parity; physical activity; pregnancy outcome; stage of labor