Pattern of physical activity in nulliparous women referred to Shaheed Mostafa Khomeini hospital

Physical activity during pregnancy is one of the factors that have beneficial effects on the health of the mother and fetus. This study aimed to determine the pattern of physical activity in nulliparous pregnant women referred to Shaheed Mostafa Khomeini hospital.

This study was an analytical cross-sectional study that was conducted on 268 healthy nulliparous women in Mostafa Khomeini hospital. The survey tool was a standard questionnaire of physical activity during pregnancy. Data were analyzed using SPSS software (version 16).

Only 36.2% of cases had walking pattern in accordance to the guidelines. A significant percentage of the daily activities of the subjects involved house work, mainly in the form of sitting activities (7.34 ± 2.60). The average time spent on sports activities was their least daily activity (0.14 ± 0.08 day/hour). Major activities of mothers were light and inactive. Generally, normal delivery was 30.6% of all deliveries. In 58.6% of subjects, weight gain during pregnancy was greater than recommended rate. There was a significant relationship between the type of delivery and physical activity and sport, so that those who had more walking had a higher probability of normal delivery (p= 0.03).

The results of this study support the positive effects of physical activity during pregnancy. However, due to its low popularity in the pregnant women, the appropriate approach is required from relevant institutions including universities and pregnancy care centers.