There has been a dramatic worldwide increase in the prevalence of obesity or overweight and physical inactivity in women of reproductive age. Growing evidence suggests that pre-pregnancy maternal abnormal body mass index (BMI) and lower physical activity level are associated with poor maternal health and perinatal outcomes. The aim of this study was to assess how self-perceived exercise and pre-pregnancy BMI are associated with preterm birth, low birth weight, and type of birth. We conducted a retrospective cross-sectional study of 394 Polish women in the postpartum period. We used a questionnaire with the structure of the medical interview. To analyze factors related to birth outcomes, we used the Pearson’s Chi-squared test of independence and odds ratio (OR), with a corresponding 95% confidence interval (CI), followed by a multiple logistic regression. Women who reported being physically active before pregnancy (p = 0.00) and during pregnancy (p = 0.03) were more likely to give birth on time and had a lower incidence of very-premature and extremely premature births compared to inactive women. Importantly, they were more likely to have vaginal birth (p = 0.03). Pre-pregnancy BMI influenced the week of delivery, i.e., inadequate, too-high BMI contributed to an increase in the percentage of premature births [OR (95% CI) = 1.19 (1.06; 1.34)]. The findings indicate that promoting physical activity and weight management remains a priority in public health policy, and women of childbearing age should be encouraged to adopt or maintain an active and healthy lifestyle during pregnancy in order to avoid sedentary- and obesity-associated risks affecting birth and newborns’ health.

Although postpartum sexual problems are common, there is a poor understanding of the underlying influencing factors and the impact of the infant feeding method on the mother’s sexual life. A cross-sectional control study was conducted with a group of 253 women during their postpartum period. This study aimed to investigate the effects of different infant feeding methods on female sexual life after childbirth. The study followed the STROBE guidelines for cross-sectional control analysis. The study design included a questionnaire characterizing sociodemographic, obstetric and breastfeeding variables and the PL-FSFI (Female Sexual Function Index). The authors collected the data in compliance with the CAWI (Computer-Assisted Web Interview) research methodology—an interview conducted via an Internet channel. Each respondent received and completed the survey provided to them via the same online link. This study included women in the postpartum period: 170 breastfeeding women (study group) and 83 formula-feeding women (control group). There were statistically significant difference between the groups that practiced different types of breastfeeding. Out of all the PL-FSFI-assessing domains, the highest average score for the whole group correlated with satisfaction and the lowest score correlated with lubrication use. Our findings indicate that women practicing only breastfeeding are more likely to develop sexual problems. In order to maintain sexual health and promote long-term breastfeeding, extensive and professional counseling is needed for couples about postpartum sexuality and the factors that affect it, such as breastfeeding.

Background: Preterm birth is a major global health issue, associated with increased neonatal morbidity and mortality. Mothers of preterm infants face unique challenges, particularly with regard to lactation, due to the complexities of preterm neonatal care. Social support has been recognized as a factor in promoting successful breastfeeding, especially in vulnerable groups such as mothers of preterm infants. Objective: This study aimed to explore the psychosocial factors influencing breastfeeding in mothers following preterm birth, with a particular focus on the role of social support in early lactation success. Methods: A cross-sectional observational study was conducted between December 2022 and March 2023 at a tertiary referral hospital in Poland. The study included 130 women (71 mothers of preterm infants and 59 mothers of full-term infants) in the early postpartum period. Data were collected through a self-administered questionnaire and the Polish version of the Berlin Social Support Scales (BSSS). Lactation success was assessed based on the mother’s ability to initiate and maintain breastfeeding or expressed milk production. Statistical analyses included Mann–Whitney U tests, Pearson’s Chi-Square, and logistic regression to determine the association between social support and lactation outcomes. Results: The study revealed that mothers of preterm infants exhibited a greater need for social support compared with those who delivered at term. Social support, particularly perceived emotional and practical support, appeared to be significantly associated with successful early lactation. Women who received adequate social support were more likely to initiate breastfeeding early and maintain lactation. Conclusions: Psychosocial factors, particularly social support, play a critical role in the success of lactation among mothers of preterm infants. These findings underscore the need for comprehensive support systems for mothers of preterm infants to promote breastfeeding and improve neonatal health outcomes.

Background: In recent years, there has been an increase in the incidence of gestational diabetes (GDM) with serious risks for both mother and child. Pre-pregnancy BMI and physical activity significantly influence GDM development. Promoting a healthy lifestyle is essential to prevent GDM and improve health outcomes for mother and baby. Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate the relationship between pre-pregnancy physical activity and pre-pregnancy BMI and the occurrence of gestational diabetes, as well as to assess their impact on the development of complications associated with gestational diabetes. Methods: A retrospective-prospective study was conducted from October 2024 to December 2024 at a tertiary referral hospital in Poland. The study included 205 pregnant women (42 with gestational diabetes, 163 without gestational diabetes) who met the inclusion criteria. Data were collected using a self-administered questionnaire and the Polish version of the Get Active Questionnaire for Pregnancy (GAQ-P). The impact of pre-pregnancy physical activity and pre-pregnancy BMI on the occurrence of gestational diabetes was assessed based on data collected from both surveys and medical records analysis. Statistical analyses included Pearson’s chi-square tests, logistic regression, and Cramér’s V coefficient to determine the relationship between pre-pregnancy physical activity and ppBMI and the occurrence of gestational diabetes. Results: The study revealed that pre-pregnancy BMI and gestational weight gain were significant predictors, with a higher BMI increasing the risk of gestational diabetes. In contrast, physical activity before pregnancy—including its frequency, intensity, and duration—was not a significant predictor. Additionally, no significant associations were found between physical activity and birth weight, mode of delivery, or preterm birth. These findings highlight the role of pre-pregnancy BMI in gestational diabetes risk while suggesting that physical activity before conception may have a limited impact. Conclusions: These results highlight the significant role of pre-pregnancy body mass index (BMI) in the development of gestational diabetes, emphasizing the need for targeted interventions aimed at maintaining a healthy weight before conception. They suggest that weight management strategies should be an important component of gestational diabetes prevention. Future research should further investigate the complex interaction between lifestyle factors and metabolic health to refine preventive recommendations and improve health outcomes for mothers and newborns.

Background/Objectives: Breastfeeding is a cornerstone of infant nutrition, promoting optimal development and health benefits for both mother and child. Despite high initiation rates in Poland (97%), exclusive breastfeeding (EBF) drops sharply, reaching only 4% by six months postpartum. The aim of this study is to identify factors associated with breastfeeding practices and barriers to exclusive breastfeeding (EBF) among Polish women during the postpartum period, with particular emphasis on the role of medical personnel support and maternal stress levels. Methods: A cross-sectional observational study, adhering to STROBE guidelines, was conducted from January to May 2023. The study included 1092 Polish women, surveyed using the Computer-Assisted Web Interview (CAWI) methodology. The women exclusively breastfeeding accounted for 79% (n = 863) of the study group. The remaining women supplemented their child with modified milk (n = 229; 21%). Statistical analyses were performed using IBM SPSS Statistics (Version 26.0), and logistic regression to assess associations between variables and breastfeeding outcomes. Results: Logistic regression analysis indicated that in the women experiencing low or medium stress, none of the analysed support factors significantly influenced the likelihood of exclusive breastfeeding discontinuation. However, women experiencing high stress, receiving counselling for effective breastfeeding (OR = 0.467; 95% CI: 0.232–0.941; p = 0.033) and assistance with proper breastfeeding (OR = 0.424; 95% CI: 0.220–0.819; p = 0.011) were associated with a lower likelihood of introducing formula feeding. The main reported reasons for early breastfeeding cessation included breast health issues, mental exhaustion, lack of medical support and infant-related difficulties. Conclusions: The findings allow us to underscore the urgent need for targeted interventions to improve breastfeeding rates in Poland. New evidence indicates that women experiencing higher levels of stress require increased support from medical personnel in order to breastfeed exclusively.

Background: Physical activity during pregnancy plays an important role in influencing the course of pregnancy, the health of the mother, and neonatal outcomes. Regular exercise can positively affect maternal well-being, reduce the risk of pregnancy-related complications, and support optimal fetal development. Additionally, physical activity may contribute to a reduced need for C-sections and better postpartum recovery. Despite these benefits, global trends indicate a decline in physical activity levels, exacerbated by lifestyle changes such as remote work. This highlights the importance of promoting healthy habits among women of reproductive age to improve perinatal outcomes and the long-term health of both mothers and their children. Objective: The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of physical activity during pregnancy on the health of mothers and babies after birth. Methods: A prospective cohort study was conducted in a tertiary care hospital in northern Poland from October 2024 to December 2024. Participants were 205 pregnant women with no medical contraindications to physical activity. The group was selected on the basis of a questionnaire with original questions and the Get Active Questionnaire for Pregnancy (GAQ-P). The effects of physical activity during pregnancy on maternal and infant health after delivery were assessed using questionnaire data and medical records. Frequency analysis supported by chi-squared coefficient; Cramer’s V coefficient and Spearman’s rank correlation were used to answer the research questions. Results: The study showed that the frequency of physical activity had an effect on the incidence of perineal trauma, the baby’s birth weight, and the baby’s degree of saturation after birth. The intensity of physical activity during pregnancy may influence the duration of the first stage of labor, while the duration of physical activity may influence the duration of the second stage of labor and reduce the number of operative deliveries. Conclusions: Although physical activity has a huge impact on the course of pregnancy and the health of both mother and child after birth, more research is needed to draw clear conclusions. In our study, a beneficial effect of physical activity on the reduction in cesarean sections can be observed. However, the effects on perineal injuries, length of labor, and birth weight require further research, as our findings indicate that higher exercise frequency was associated with both positive outcomes, such as fewer cesarean sections, and potential risks, including an increase in macrosomia and perineal tears. A broader analysis of co-factors influencing these results is needed to fully understand these relationships.