Exercise and yoga during pregnancy: a survey.
The primary objective of this survey was to ascertain the opinions, practices and knowledge about exercise, including yoga, during pregnancy; the secondary objective to compare the responses among women with body mass index (BMI) <30 kg/m(2) versus ≥30 kg/m(2). Survey consisted of 20 multiple choice questions assessing demographics and exercise practices, and five questions testing their knowledge about it during pregnancy (ACOG Committee Opinion # 267). Of the 500 surveys distributed, 84% (422) responses were analyzed. While 86% of women responded that exercise during pregnancy is beneficial, 83% felt it was beneficial to start prior to pregnancy, and walking was considered the most beneficial (62%). The majority (64%) of respondents were currently exercising during pregnancy and 51% exercised 2-3 times/week. Among the five questions testing knowledge about prenatal exercise, majority (range 60 to 92%) were aware of ACOG recommendations. About half had a BMI ≥30. Knowledge about benefits of exercise during pregnancy did not differ significantly between obese and non-obese. Yoga was tried significantly more among non-obese, 65% believed it is beneficial, and 40% had attempted yoga before pregnancy. In our population, the majority believes that exercise, including yoga, is beneficial and they are active.
Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Truman Medical Center Hospital Hill , Kansas City, MO , USA and.
Shilpa
S
Babbar
Suneet P
SP
Chauhan
D000328:Adult; D001294:Attitude to Health; D015992:Body Mass Index; D015444:Exercise / Q000502:physiology*; D005260:Female; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006801:Humans; D011247:Pregnancy; D011248:Pregnancy Complications / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000523:psychology / Q000628:therapy; D037841:Pregnant People / Q000523:psychology; D012959:Socioeconomic Factors; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D015013:Yoga; D055815:Young Adult
BMI; exercise during pregnancy; prenatal exercise; yoga