Exercise During Pregnancy, Knowledge, Belief And Practice of Gynecologists /Obstetricians

Abstract

Background: Exercise plays a vital role in different phases of life but it is an important and integral part in the prenatal care. A number of complications and problems associated with pregnancy can be reduced and avoided if an expert advice is followed. A proper prescribed plan of care and exercise from an expert would help to increase awareness and facilitate the pregnant females and population. Objective of Study: The aim of the study is to examine the knowledge, beliefs and practice of Gynecologists /Obstetricians regarding exercise during pregnancy. Methodology: Two hundred fifty(250) practicing Gynecologists /Obstetricians FCPS (n=10) FCPS trainee (87)MBBS with three year experience (87) and other post graduate Gynecologists /Obstetricians (66) from the Liaquat University of Medical and Health Sciences hospital Jamshoro, Hyderabad .In this study descriptive characteristic data Gynecologists/Obstetrician knowledge , believes and current practice regarding exercise during pregnancy were collected ,descriptive statistics and chi-square analyses were completed. Results: Overall 91% of Gynecologists /Obstetricians believe exercise during pregnancy is benecial, only 34%recommand exercise to the pregnant patients. Conclusions: Although the Gynecologists/Obstetricians beliefs about exercise is largely positive, but very few of them recommend exercise to the pregnant patients. Key word: Antenatal exercise, Awareness in Gynecologists, Pregnancy.