Major, non-chromosomal, birth defects and maternal physical activity: A systematic review Birth Defects Research Part A: Clinical and Molecular Teratology, 06/08/2012

Flak AL et al. – The review suggests that there may be some associations between occupational and leisure–time physical activities and some, major non–chromosomal, birth defects, but relatively limited published research exists on these associations. Further research in this area should include differentiation of birth defects phenotypes, valid assessments of all domains of physical activity, including household and transportation activity, and account for the potential influence of pre–pregnancy BMI.

• Authors conducted a systematic literature search of MEDLINE, EMBASE, and CINAHL databases.
• Data were abstracted from all articles that met the inclusion criteria and included information on physical activity intensity (mild, moderate, and vigorous) and modality (i.e., standing, lifting, other).
• They assessed occupational and recreational physical activity separately.
• The quality of included articles was assessed using the Newcastle–Ottawa Scale.

• Of 3316 screened articles, 11 were included in this review.
• Of the four studies that assessed prolonged standing, two reported a positive association with risk for some birth defects; null associations were observed in the other two studies.
• Associations between heavy lifting or other occupational physical activity exposures and risk for birth defects were inconsistent.
• A protective association between leisure–time physical activity (i.e., active sports, swimming) and some birth defects (e.g., neural tube defects), was suggested by the results of two studies.
• Only one study reported assessment of possible effect modification by maternal body mass index (BMI).