Association Between Physical Activity in Early Pregnancy and Markers of Placental Growth and Function

Objectives: It has been suggested that physical activity (PA) can influence the development of the placenta and the risk of placenta-mediated complications of pregnancy. We evaluated the association between PA and early markers of placental development. Methods: Ninety-four nulliparous women were invited to participate in a prospective observational cohort study. Assessment included measurement of placental growth factor (PlGF) and pregnancy-associated plasma protein-A (PAPP-A) concentrations (expressed in multiples of the median), an ultrasound at 11 to 13 weeks for measurement of placental volume and the mean uterine artery (UtA) pulsatility index, and a questionnaire on PA. The association between PA and these markers was evaluated using univariate and multivariate regression analyses. Results: We found a significantly lower concentration of PlGF and a trend towards lower placenta volume and lower PAPP-A concentration with increased PA frequency. The negative association between PA frequency and PlGF concentration remained significant after adjustment for potential confounding factors. Conclusion: Our results suggest that PA in early pregnancy could negatively affect placental development. This finding could explain the association between PA and severe preeclampsia. This finding deserves confirmation in a larger cohort.