Smoking during pregnancy was negatively associated with physical fitness in childhood

Background: To explore the potential relationship of several prenatal predictors with physical fitness (PF) components among children. Material and Methods: Α random sample of 5,125 dyads children (8 to 9 years old) and their mothers was evaluated. Mothers were asked to provide information contained in their medical booklets and pregnancy ultrasound records. With the use of a standardized questionnaire, telephone interviews were carried out for the collection of maternal factors in order to assess the potential association between several prenatal factors (preterm birth, maternal age, parity before, mode of delivery, gestational diabetes, hypertensive disorders of pregnancy, alcohol consumption and smoking during pregnancy) and child’s PF. Data from five PF tests were used to assess cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF), speed, and lower and upper body strength. Results: Children born to mothers with adequate physical activity (PA) levels during pregnancy, parity before and higher education presented higher performances in PF components (all p-values<0.05) in childhood. Also, mother’s smoking during pregnancy was unfavorably associated with CRF (b=-0.04), lower body strength (b=-0.02), upper body strength (b=-0.02), and speed (b=0.10), after adjusting for several covariates. Conclusion: Among prenatal factors considered, parity before, educational level and PA and smoking during pregnancy had an important influence on PF in childhood.