Benefits from physical activity participation during pregnancy include a reduced risk of preeclampsia, gestational diabetes, excessive weight gain, and cesarean delivery. More research about the reliability and validity of physical activity data collection techniques is needed to clarify the optimal intensity and frequency of physical activity for women to perform throughout and after pregnancy and the effects of this physical activity on maternal and birth outcomes. The purpose of this dissertation was to assess the 1) reliability and validity of three physical activity devices, 2) correlation between a self-report questionnaire and a physical activity device worn at the hip and ankle, and 3) validity of women recalling their physical activity at three time points (21 and 32 weeks gestation, and 12 weeks postpartum).
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