News Release

Adverse pregnancy outcomes and sedentary behavior, light-intensity physical activity, and daily steps

JAMA

Peer-Reviewed Publication

JAMA Network

About The Study: Among pregnant individuals, sitting less with greater light-intensity movement and steps was associated with significantly lower risks of adverse pregnancy outcomes. Optimizing lighter-intensity activity patterns should be rigorously tested as a strategy to improve pregnancy health. Adverse pregnancy outcomes affect 1 in 5 pregnancies and include hypertensive disorders of pregnancy, gestational diabetes, preterm birth, and small for gestational age.

Corresponding Author: To contact the corresponding author, Bethany Barone Gibbs, PhD, email bethany.gibbs@hsc.wvu.edu.

To access the embargoed study: Visit our For The Media website at this link https://media.jamanetwork.com/

(doi:10.1001/jama.2026.6986)

Editor’s Note: Please see the article for additional information, including other authors, author contributions and affiliations, conflict of interest and financial disclosures, and funding and support.

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Media advisory: This study is being presented at the 2026 American College of Sports Medicine Annual Meeting.

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