Comparison of Physical Activity and Nutritional Intake in First Nations Pregnant Women in Remote Communities and Urban-Living Pregnant Women

Abstract Increased prevalence of gestational diabetes has been detected in First Nations (FN) pregnant women living in rural communities compared to FN or non-FN pregnant women living in urban areas in Manitoba. Physical activity and nutritional intake during pregnancy may affect maternal metabolism and pregnancy outcomes. We examined physical activity and food intake in 63 pregnant women in 3 groups: FN in rural/remote communities (FNR, n=24); FN in an urban environment (FNU, n=17); and Caucasians in an urban environment (CU, n=22). The physical activity levels in the FNR and FNU groups (physical activity index 1.29 ± 0.75 and 1.00 ± 0.71) were significantly lower than that in the CU group (physical activity index 1.94 ± 0.24, p