PCD News Summary for July 6, 2020

About the Journal: Published every Thursday, Preventing Chronic Disease (PCD) is a peer-reviewed online journal established by CDC’s National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion. The News Media Branch prepares press summary packets each week. To receive these press summaries on an embargoed basis, send an e-mail to media@cdc.gov. Please note that this e-mail list is for credentialed journalists only. All others, please visit Hookup to Health to sign up for e-mail updates.

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Physical Activity Before and During Pregnancy

A new CDC study reports that only 10% of women in Colorado with a recent live birth engaged in regular physical activity during the last three months of pregnancy. For most pregnant women, engaging in moderate-intensity physical activity has few risks but many health benefits, including reduced risk of gestational diabetes and gestational hypertension. This study found approximately 1 in 5 women in Colorado with a recent live birth reported engaging in regular physical activity during the three months before pregnancy, and the prevalence was even lower (1 in 10) during the last three months of pregnancy. Findings suggest that most women with a recent live birth in Colorado, particularly those who are overweight or have obesity, are not obtaining many health benefits of physical activity before or during pregnancy. Healthcare providers can encourage women to maintain appropriate levels of physical activity before, during, and after pregnancy.

Rachel Robb
Health Communication Specialist
Division of Nutrition, Physical Activity, and Obesity
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Office: 404-498-6785
Cell: 678-521-0778
wqp8@cdc.gov

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Note: Not all articles published in PCD represent work done at CDC. In your stories, please clarify whether a study was conducted by CDC (“a CDC study”) or by another institution (“a study published by CDC”). The opinions expressed by authors contributing to PCD do not necessarily reflect the opinions of CDC or the institutions with which the authors are affiliated. PCD requests that, when possible, you include a live link to the article in your stories. 

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