Abstract

Objectives: The knowledge and behavior of pregnant women living in the Aegean region about pregnancy exercises are evaluated.

Patients and Methods: A total of 526 pregnant women (mean age 27 years; range 15 to 44 years), followed up antenatally in the Aegean Obstetrics and Gynecology Training and Research Hospital, 3rd Obstetrics Policlinic, were enrolled in the study. Data were obtained by face-to-face interview.

Results: A great percentage of the subjects (72.1%) had no adequate information about pregnancy exercises. Women with higher education level had significantly higher level of knowledge. Most pregnant women who had knowledge about pregnancy exercises had obtained this information from health care providers (45.2%). Of the cases, 40.1% noted that they had applied any pregnancy exercise during their current pregnancies. The most preferred exercise by participants who had applied pregnancy exercise was walking (32.5%).

Conclusion: The knowledge of pregnant women in the Aegean region about pregnancy exercises should be improved by health care providers.