AWARENESS AND BEHAVIOUR OF PREGNANT WOMEN REGARDING LOW IMPACT AEROBIC EXERCISES-A CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY IN LAHORE

Abstract

During pregnancy, the body undergoes functional and psychological transformations which are natural, and pregnant women should carry out exercises to keep their selves healthy. Exercise helps to decrease stress and gestational discomfort; improves self-image; maintains fitness levels; prepares the body for labor strain; manages restlessness; strengthens muscles; enhances circulation, and relieves back pain. Objectives: To assess the awareness in terms of knowledge, behavior in terms of attitude, and practice of low-impact aerobic exercises and to determine the relationship between educational status, awareness and behavior regarding low-impact aerobic exercises among pregnant women. Materials and Methods: It was an analytical cross-sectional study using a convenient sampling technique. Data were collected from gynecology departments of different hospitals in Lahore from October 2021 to April 2022. Informed consent was obtained from patients for inclusion in this study. A questionnaire enlisting questions about demographics, educational status, attitude, and practice, knowledge of benefits and contraindications of exercises was filled by the participants. Results: There were 196 subjects included in the study, almost 40% of subjects had inadequate knowledge about antenatal exercises, and 60% knew about antenatal exercise, but despite knowing, only 21% of subjects were practicing or ever practiced antenatal exercises. A positive association was found between education level, knowledge about antenatal exercises and positive attitude. Conclusion: Despite exercise knowledge, most women did not practice aerobic exercises during the antenatal period. In light of these results, health education and public awareness regarding antenatal exercises should be encouraged to reduce the prevalence of relevant musculoskeletal disorders.