Pregnant women who reside in walkable neighborhoods with ample sidewalks, parks, and walking routes are experiencing safer pregnancies, resulting in improved health for both mother and baby, according to a recent study published in the journal Economics and Human Biology. The study revealed that expectant mothers living in such neighborhoods have lower rates of premature deliveries, low birth weight, gestational diabetes, and hypertension.
The researchers, Professor Karen Conway from UNH’s Peter T. Paul College of Business and Economics, and Associate Professor Andrea Menclova from the University of Canterbury, combined various data sources to analyze the impact of walkability on pregnancy outcomes. They utilized walkability measures derived from the Environmental Protection Agency, physical activity data from the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System, and pregnancy outcomes data from the National Vital Statistics Natality Detail Files.
The findings indicated that a higher walkability index was associated with a significant increase in physical exercise among pregnant women. Specifically, for every 10-point increase in the walkability index, equivalent to transitioning from the least walkable to the most walkable category, pregnant women engaged in over 70 minutes of additional exercise per week. Walking was deemed a safer and more moderate form of physical activity for expectant mothers.
The study, however, did not find a clear correlation between walking and its influence on a mother’s weight gain or the baby’s birth weight, known as macrosomia. Nevertheless, the researchers emphasized that walkable communities offer additional health benefits beyond encouraging exercise. Living in an area conducive to walking fosters outdoor engagement, interaction with neighbors, and community involvement, all of which contribute to better overall health.
Professor Karen Conway highlighted the significance of the study’s results, explaining that preterm birth and low birth weight infants are major concerns due to the potential difficulties they may face. She concluded that the data unequivocally demonstrates the positive impact of walkable communities on the health of both mother and baby.
In conclusion, the study’s findings shed light on the health benefits associated with pregnant women living in walkable neighborhoods. The availability of sidewalks, parks, and walking routes encourages expectant mothers to engage in regular physical exercise, resulting in reduced rates of premature deliveries, low birth weight, gestational diabetes, and hypertension. The promotion of walkability extends beyond exercise, fostering social interactions and contributing to overall wellbeing. These findings underscore the importance of creating walkable communities to support safer pregnancies and better health outcomes for both pregnant women and their babies.
