Physical Activity During Pregnancy: Guidelines Versus Adherence

BACKGROUND: The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) recommends at least 20 minutes per day of moderate-intensity exercise. Benefits include fewer complications during delivery and faster postpartum recovery. The purpose of this study was to determine if people are receiving and utilizing this advice from their care providers. METHODS: Persons who had given birth within the past two years were invited via social media to answer a survey pertaining to exercise patterns and provider recommendations during pregnancy. Participants were asked whether their providers discussed exercise with them, whether they were given specific exercise information, and whether they exercised during pregnancy. In addition, participants provided information about their exercise frequency and intensity during pregnancy. Descriptive analyses and Chi-squared tests were performed. RESULTS: Study sample included 239 participants (aged 33 ± 4.63 years, 74.5% white,). Just over half (n = 136, 56.9%) reported receiving exercise advice during pregnancy by their providers, but only 58 (24.3%) received specific exercise information. Only 33 (13.8%) received exercise advice that was consistent with ACOG guidelines. Respondents who received exercise advice from their care providers were more likely to exercise during pregnancy than those who did not (159 (67.1%) versus 37 (15.6%); p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: While over 50% of participants in this study reported receiving advice to exercise during pregnancy from their care providers, most of the time this advice was not consistent with ACOG guidelines. Health care providers should share specific exercise prescriptions including dose and duration as an important part of prenatal care.