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Obstetrician practice patterns and recommendations for physical activity during pregnancy.
Kelly R Evenson1, Lisa A Pompeii
1Department of Epidemiology, Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27514, USA. kelly_evenson@unc.edu
Journal of Women'S Health (2002)
|August 20, 2010
Summary
Many obstetricians surveyed in Texas do not fully follow physical activity guidelines for pregnant women. Further education is needed to align practice patterns with American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists recommendations.
Area of Science:
- Obstetrics and Gynecology
- Sports Medicine
- Public Health
Background:
- Many pregnant women do not meet recommended physical activity levels.
- Current practice patterns of obstetricians regarding exercise during pregnancy are not well understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess self-reported practice patterns and recommendations of Texas obstetricians concerning physical activity during pregnancy.
Main Methods:
- A mailed survey was distributed to 384 obstetricians in Texas.
- The survey collected data on obstetricians' practices and recommendations for physical activity in pregnant patients.
Main Results:
- Obstetricians most commonly collected data on exercise type, history, and frequency, but less often on duration or intensity.
- Recommendations for avoiding certain activities increased with each trimester.
- While most agreed mild exercise is beneficial, fewer recognized benefits of moderate or vigorous exercise; many believed exercise could improve energy and labor outcomes but not necessarily affect birth weight or labor onset.
Conclusions:
- Continuing education for obstetricians on current physical activity guidelines is necessary.
- Further research is needed to understand and address the gap between recommended guidelines and actual practice patterns.
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