Pregnant women’s beliefs and awareness regarding physical activity during pregnancy at Maternity and Children’s Hospital in Makkah region, Saudi Arabia: a cross-sectional study
Abstract Introduction Pregnancy is a unique and life-changing experience, bringing psychological and physical changes. Despite this, antenatal exercise can improve maternal and infant health as well as reduce complications; approximately 60% of pregnant women experience a decrease in physical activi...
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| Main Authors: | , , |
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
| Published: |
Springer
2025-07-01
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| Series: | Discover Public Health |
| Subjects: | |
| Online Access: | https://doi.org/10.1186/s12982-025-00792-3 |
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| Summary: | Abstract Introduction Pregnancy is a unique and life-changing experience, bringing psychological and physical changes. Despite this, antenatal exercise can improve maternal and infant health as well as reduce complications; approximately 60% of pregnant women experience a decrease in physical activity. This study examined pregnant women’s beliefs and awareness of physical activity and perceived benefits during pregnancy. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted at maternity and children’s hospitals, Makkah region, involving 150 pregnant women. Data were collected through a pretested self -administrated questionnaire and analysed using SPSS version 28, with a P value of ≤ 0.05 considered significant in all tests. Results The current study found that more than half of pregnant women (55%) had positive beliefs and awareness regarding physical activity, whereas more than half of them (69.3%) had an unsatisfactory perception regarding the benefits of physical activity during pregnancy. Family was the most common source of information and advice regarding physical activity during pregnancy at all times (56.70%), followed by health professionals (32.70%). Women with higher education (university education) are more likely to have positive beliefs towards physical activity during pregnancy (p =.004). Furthermore, older women and higher educated women perceived more benefits from physical activity during pregnancy (p =.047, p =.042), respectively. Conclusion The study found that over half of pregnant women have positive beliefs and awareness about physical activity, and one-third knew its benefits. Pregnant mothers should be educated about the benefits of exercise during antenatal care visits. |
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| ISSN: | 3005-0774 |