About 1 in 5 pregnancies now result in adverse outcomes. Here’s what you can do : NPR

About 1 in 5 pregnancies now result in adverse outcomes. Here’s what you can do : NPR

May 28, 2026 discoverhiddenusacom Health

Recent data indicates that approximately 1 in 5 pregnancies now result in adverse outcomes. These complications, which include preterm births, preeclampsia, and gestational diabetes, have shown a growing trend over the last decade.

The Link Between Sedentary Behavior and Pregnancy Risks

New research published in the journal JAMA suggests that the risks associated with these pregnancy complications may be dramatically reduced by increasing movement and reducing time spent sitting.

Bethany Barone Gibbs, an epidemiologist at the University of West Virginia and the study’s lead author, notes that society has become increasingly sedentary. This shift means that pregnant individuals often spend significant amounts of time sitting.

Did You Know? Bed rest during pregnancy is no longer routinely recommended because prior research has demonstrated that limiting activity can actually do more harm than good.

Study Methodology and Findings

To investigate the impact of prolonged sitting, researchers recruited 500 women for the study. Participants wore sophisticated activity trackers 24 hours a day for one week during each of the three pregnancy trimesters.

From Instagram — related to Expert Insight, Samantha Carter

The findings revealed a significant disparity in risk based on daily sitting habits. Individuals who spent more than 10 hours a day sitting faced twice the risk of pregnancy complications compared to those who sat for approximately 7 hours a day.

According to Barone Gibbs, the strongest association with these complications was “prolonged sitting,” which she defines as sitting for more than an hour at a time.

Expert Insight: Samantha Carter suggests that these findings are particularly critical because, as Barone Gibbs noted, these common adverse outcomes currently lack a wide array of effective treatment options. This makes behavioral adjustments, such as regular movement, a vital tool for risk reduction.

Reducing the Risk Through Movement

The research indicates that the risks can be significantly lowered through simple changes. Barone Gibbs states that regularly standing or moving around a bit can help cut these risks.

Because these adverse outcomes are becoming more common, the ability to reduce them through activity is viewed as a significant development. This approach may provide a necessary alternative in a landscape where medical treatment options are limited.

Potential Future Implications

Given the rising trend of pregnancy complications, this research could lead to updated guidance on daily activity levels for expectant mothers.

Future health strategies may prioritize the reduction of prolonged sitting periods. This could potentially lead to a decrease in the incidence of preeclampsia and gestational diabetes if adopted widely.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are some examples of adverse pregnancy outcomes?

Adverse outcomes mentioned in the research include preeclampsia, gestational diabetes, and preterm births.

How was the activity of the participants measured in the JAMA study?

The study recruited 500 women who wore sophisticated activity trackers 24 hours a day for one week during each of their three trimesters.

How does sitting time correlate with pregnancy complication risks?

People who sat for more than 10 hours a day had twice the risk of complications compared to those who sat for about 7 hours a day, with sitting for more than an hour at a time being more strongly associated with these risks.

Do you think your daily routine allows for enough movement to avoid prolonged sitting?

#AHA22 – Bethany Barone-Gibbs-Wearable Devices