Physical activity behaviour among women with gestational diabetes mellitus and early post-partum

Women with previous history of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) have been found to have higher risk of developing type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Participation in adequate physical activity during and after pregnancy has been found to mitigate this risk. The main purpose of this study was to determine the status of physical activity among women with recent GDM during pregnancy and 8-weeks post-partum. A secondary aim of the study was to explore factors associated with physical activity during and 8-weeks post-partum. Physical activity status was measured using the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ). The data were collected during pregnancy through a self-reported questionnaire (n=336) and via telephone interview 8-weeks post-partum (n=117). The results uncovered a significant association between physical activity and status of GDM during pregnancy. Women who reported higher physical activity participation during pregnancy were less likely to have GDM. However, there were no significant association between physical activity participation and GDM status post-partum. Age was associated with participation in physical activity during pregnancy. Self-efficacy and risk perception of developing T2DM were associated with physical activity participation at 8-weeks post-partum. In conclusion, this study highlighted the different factors that should be targeted (for during pregnancy and post-partum) to promote physical activity among this high-risk population.