Introduction: Weight gain in pregnancy is normal and necessary for the healthy development of the foetus, placenta, and other supporting structures. Key aspects of pregnancy health include weight gain and physical activity. Regular and adapted exercise contributes to the well-being of pregnant women and the healthy development of the baby. Purpose: The aim of this thesis is to investigate the impact of physical activity on weight gain during pregnancy and to analyse its role in preventing both excessive and insufficient weight gain. Methods: A retrospective analysis was performed based on anonymized data from the Perinatal Information System of the Republic of Slovenia, covering all singleton pregnancies from 2013 to 2023. Key variables included frequency of physical activity, categories of gestational weight gain, and pre-pregnancy body mass index. Statistical analysis was performed using descriptive statistics and the chi-square test with IBM SPSS Statistics and Microsoft Excel 2016. Statistical significance was set at p < 0.05. Results: Data from 210,227 pregnant women showed that appropriate weight gain was more common in physically active women (44.9%) compared to inactive women (43.2%), while excessive weight gain was more prevalent in inactive women (53.5%) than in active women (33.2%). Similar patterns were observed in 206,679 singleton pregnancies. The chi-square test confirmed a statistically significant association between physical activity and weight gain during pregnancy (p < 0.001). Discussion and conclusion: The findings confirm the beneficial role of regular physical activity in achieving appropriate gestational weight gain and reducing the risk of complications linked to both excessive and insufficient gain. These results are consistent with existing research highlighting the benefits of an active lifestyle during pregnancy. Limitations of this study include the lack of data on the type and intensity of exercise and other unmeasured factors, including diet and genetic predispositions. Future research should employ more detailed longitudinal data to better capture the dynamics of gestational weight control. Promoting structured exercise programs could improve outcomes for both mother and foetus.
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