Pregnancy-Induced Changes in Body Fat, Physical Fitness and Energy Requirement in Military and Civilian Women
Abstract
This study addresses the impact of pregnancy-induced changes in body composition and physical fitness on postpartum return to duty readiness. We hypothesize that moderate levels of physical activity will maintain physical fitness and limit excess fat deposition during pregnancy without jeopardizing fetal growth if dietary intake is not restricted. Furthermore, moderate levels of physical activity will facilitate fat mobilization and conserve fat-free-mass (FFM) during postpartum weight loss. Physical activity, weight, FFM and fat mass, fitness, strength, and iron status will be measured in women with low to high pre-pregnancy BMI through a complete reproductive cycle (0, 8, 22, 36 wk gestation; 2, 6 and 24 wk postpartum). Physical activity will be quantified as the difference between total energy expenditure and basal metabolic rate measured by the doubly-labeled water method and room respiration calorimetry. Body volume (hydrodensitometry), total body water (H-2/O-18 dilution), potassium (-40 counting), nitrogen (prompt-gamma activation), and bone mineral (dual X-ray absorptiometry) will be used to calculate FFM and fat mass. Physical fitness will be determined by submaximal and maximal aerobic capacity tests. This report presents preliminary results on women prior to, during and after pregnancy. Data obtained prior to pregnancy strongly indicate a need to revise military equations used to predict body fat of women.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Oct 01, 1999
- Accession Number
- ADA373998
Entities
People
- Nancy Butte
Organizations
- Baylor University