Nível de atividade física e fadiga em gestantes e puérperas

Abstract

Introduction: Pregnancy is a period marked by various changes that directly affect the life of the pregnant woman, both physically and psychologically. Among these factors, fatigue stands out as an influencer on the quality of life. The postpartum period is the time following childbirth, which can last up to 12 months, and is characterized as a time of adaptation, new demands, and insecurities, which may also lead to fatigue. Physical activity is associated with improvements in various physical and mental aspects in pregnant and postpartum women. Objective: To analyze the relationship between physical activity levels and the perception of fatigue in pregnant and postpartum women. Method: This study is characterized as a quantitative, observational, cross-sectional study. The sample consisted of 27 pregnant women and 15 postpartum women. To assess the level of physical activity, the IPAQ questionnaire was applied to the pregnant women, and a physical activity recall was used for the postpartum women. Women who engaged in 150 minutes or more of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity were considered active. Fatigue was evaluated using the DUFS and DEFS scales for the pregnant women, and the QMFP scale for the postpartum women. Results: Among the pregnant women, 14 were considered active. The median score on the DUFS questionnaire was significantly lower in active pregnant women (median=30; IQR=7.0) compared to insufficiently active women (median=35.0; IQR=6.50) (p=0.010). No significant differences in labor-related fatigue were found between active and insufficiently active postpartum women. Conclusion: The practice of physical activity during pregnancy and the postpartum period is essential for improving various health-related factors, one of which is fatigue, which was lower in active pregnant women compared to those who were insufficiently active. There was no difference in fatigue related to labor among postpartum women.