The Claim

Digital tools are associated with increased physical activity during pregnancy, particularly in light and moderate intensity domains, but the effects are inconsistent and primarily based on self-reported measures, indicating a modest association between digital interventions and increased activity levels with limited measurement precision.

Source: Effectiveness of Digital Tools on Lifestyle & Health-Related Outcomes Across the Full Continuum of the Maternal Journey: A Systematic Review

What the research says

Supports is higher

Support is ahead, but a single strong opposing study can change this.

Supports
60score
Challenges
0score

These are independent scores, not a percentage. Higher-grade studies count more, so a single strong opposing study can outweigh several weaker ones.

Correlation
1 study reviewed
In plain English

Pregnant individuals who use digital tools tend to report higher levels of light and moderate physical activity, but these reports vary and are not always accurate.

See the scientific wording

Digital tools are associated with increased physical activity during pregnancy, particularly in light and moderate intensity domains, but effects are inconsistent and largely based on self-reported measures, suggesting digital interventions may modestly increase activity levels but lack precision in measurement.

Why this might work

When pregnant women use digital tools to track or encourage movement, their brain's reward system becomes more active during physical activity, making them more likely to move more often, especially in light and moderate ways. This happens because the tools provide feedback and goals that make movement feel more rewarding, which leads to more movement without changing the body's physical ability to move.

Suggested mechanismbased on 1 study

What the research says

1 study
  1. Study: Effectiveness of Digital Tools on Lifestyle & Health-Related Outcomes Across the Full Continuum of the Maternal Journey: A Systematic Review

    Apps and digital tools during pregnancy seem to help some women move a bit more, especially light and moderate activity, but not everyone benefits the same, and we can’t be sure because many studies just asked women to guess how active they were.

Score breakdown, mechanism chain, raw evidence, ideal studies needed & 1 supporting studies

Fit Body Science verdict — we translate health claims into clear verdicts backed by peer-reviewed research.

Not medical advice. For informational purposes only. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before making health decisions.