Knowledge and Attitude of Pregnant Women Regarding Antenatal Exercises

Abstract

Background: Exercise during pregnancy is very beneficial for maternal health and fetus also. Proper knowledge in pregnant mothers is very important to promote practicing of it. Objective: To assess the knowledge and attitude of pregnant women regarding antenatal exercises. Methods: This is a cross-sectional study done in Isra institute of rehabilitation and sciences, Karachi & JPMC, Karachi. Total of 266 pregnant women during their 2nd and 3rd trimester and willing to participate in study were included from different gynecological departments of Hyderabad. Complete history was assessed regarding patient’s age, gestational age, educational status and any previous known pathology. Data were collected through face to face interviews and a validated and modified questionnaire with informed consent. For recording all the data, a designed questioner proforma was used. SPSS version 20 was utilized for data analysis, which was then summarized by descriptive statistics using frequency tables, charts and percentages. Results: Total 266 pregnant women were interviewed; the mean age was 27.86±4.79 years, with a minimum and maximum age of 18 and 44 years respectively. Majority (54.97%) of the women did not have knowledge regarding antenatal exercise. However, 79.0% of women showed positive attitude towards antenatal care. Conclusions: Majority of pregnant women had inadequate knowledge regarding antenatal exercises, while most of whom with a positive attitude.