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Stepping Patterns Across Pregnancy And The First Postpartum Year: 862
Abstract   Peer reviewed

Stepping Patterns Across Pregnancy And The First Postpartum Year: 862

Jaemyung Kim, Bethany Barone Gibbs, Amanda Paluch and Kara Whitaker
Medicine and science in sports and exercise, Vol.58(10S), 862
10/2026
DOI: 10.1249/01.mss.0001261336.99594.c1

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Abstract

The widespread use of fitness trackers and smartwatches has made step counts a readily accessible measure of activity. Walking is widely recommended in pregnancy due to its safety and practicality. However, little is known about stepping patterns during pregnancy and postpartum. PURPOSE: To describe stepping patterns across pregnancy trimesters through 12 months postpartum using step-related metrics. METHODS: Participants (n = 50; mean age 29.3 ± 4.4 years and mean pre-pregnancy BMI 27.4 ± 6.1 kg/m2) were enrolled in the Pregnancy 24/7 and Postpartum 24/7 multi-site cohort studies. Step counts were measured using thigh-worn accelerometers for 7 full days during each trimester of pregnancy and at 3, 6, and 12 months postpartum (6 total assessments). Data were summarized into 1-minute epochs. We then calculated peak cadences over 5-, 30-, and 60-minute intervals, time spent at cadences ≥40, ≥75, and ≥100 steps/minute, and step regularity, evaluated by hourly step accumulation differences between two consecutive days (0-100 scale, where 100 indicates perfect regularity). In addition, the proportions meeting physical activity guidelines at ≥150 minutes/week using cadences ≥75 and ≥100 steps/minute were computed. Differences across time points were tested using linear mixed-effects models and Chi-squared tests. RESULTS: All step-related metrics, except time spent at a cadence ≥ 100 steps/minute, varied significantly over time (p <.05), reaching their lowest during the third trimester and recovering postpartum. The proportion achieving 150 minutes/week at cadences ≥75 and ≥100 steps/minute was low throughout the assessment and was not statistically significant. CONCLUSION: Stepping patterns shifted from pregnancy to 12 months postpartum, with noticeable reductions in intensity, duration, and regularity during the third trimester. Future research is encouraged to investigate associations between stepping patterns and pregnancy complications.

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