Relationship Between Physical Activity and Fatigue Among Nigerian Pregnant Women

Physical inactivity and fatigue are two common phenomena in pregnancy with attendant negative consequences. However, reports on the nexus between physical activity (PA) and fatigue seems to be sparse in literature. This study evaluated levels and correlation between PA and pregnancy-related fatigue among Nigerian pregnant women. This cross-sectional study involved 189 consenting pregnant women from five selected health facilities in Osun State, south west, Nigeria, yielding a response rate of 94.5%. PA and fatigue were assessed using the pregnancy physical activity questionnaire and fatigue symptoms checklist over a three-month period (July to September, 2016). Data was analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics. Significant level was set at P < 0.05. The mean age of respondents in this study was 29.8 ± 5.11 years. The highest and least form of PA was household (1263 ± 633.4) and vigorous intensity (6.4 ± 6.8) PA. Fatigue was most severe in the third trimester of the pregnancy (48.7 ± 11.7) and least in the second trimester (43.7 ± 8.1). There was a significant difference in the fatigue scores across trimesters of pregnancy (P = 0.042), while there was no significant difference in the PA scores across trimesters of pregnancy (P > 0.05). There was a significant relationship between total PA and fatigue (r = 0.195; P = 0.009). Nigerian pregnant women seem averred to vigorous intensity, occupational, and sports related PA; however, they are mostly involved in light intensity and household physical activity. Pregnancy-related fatigue is dominant in the third trimester and least severe in the second trimester. There is significant relationship between pregnancy-related fatigue and physical activity except sedentary, moderate intensity, and occupational physical activity.