The Effect of Pre-Pregnancy Sports History on Pregnancy and Birth Outcomes: A Pilot Study

The aim of this study is to evaluate the effect of pre-pregnancy professional sports history on pregnancy and birth outcomes. A retrospective case-control design was employed. The sample comprised 29 women aged 18–44 years with at least one previous delivery: a study group of 14 professional athletes who had competed at national-team level in individual or team sports, and a control group of 15 women with no professional or amateur sports history; these women accounted for 42 pregnancies (22 in the study group, 20 in the control group). Data were collected through face-to-face interviews using a patient record form. Numerical variables were compared with the Mann–Whitney U test and categorical variables (mode of delivery, complications, and assisted reproductive technology history) with the chi-square and Fisher's exact tests, using SPSS 20.0, with analyses performed at the level of women (29 valid cases). No significant differences were found between the groups in pre-pregnancy weight, body mass index, gestational weight gain, gestational week at delivery, or birth weight (p>0.05), nor in perinatal/obstetric complications or assisted reproductive technology history. A statistically significant difference was found only for mode of delivery, with a higher rate of vaginal delivery in the group without a sports history (p=0.044). Pre-pregnancy sports history had no significant effect on most pregnancy and birth parameters; the higher vaginal-delivery rate in the non-sports group, contrary to the literature, is attributed to sample limitations. Larger studies are needed.

pregnancy, exercise, sports participation, mode of delivery, obstetric complications

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