Exploring antenatal exercise: Knowledge, attitudes, and practices among pregnant women in KSA

Sedentary behavior during pregnancy may have adverse effects, such as an increased risk of operative deliveries. In alignment with the health transformation in KSA, exploring antenatal exercises among pregnant Saudi women can help promote individual well-being, emphasize preventive care, and improve primary maternity healthcare services. This study aimed to assess levels of knowledge, attitudes, and adherence to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) antenatal exercise recommendations among pregnant women in KSA, and their associations.

An exploratory cross-sectional study was conducted using a self-reported questionnaire. Between April 1 and August 3, 2023, a convenience sampling method was used to recruit 254 pregnant Saudi women who attended outpatient clinics or inpatient wards at a university hospital and family and community medicine center, Dammam, KSA. Inclusion criteria were pregnant Saudi women, aged 18-45 years, with a single live fetus at any gestational age in pregnancy.

The response rate was 94.4 %. Only 15.5 % of the participants adhered to ACOG antenatal exercise guidelines. The mean antenatal exercise total knowledge scale score was 20.4 ± 5.1 (0-30) and the mean attitude scale score was 10.4 ± 2.7 (0-15). Adherence to ACOG exercise guidelines was associated with higher mean total knowledge, general and benefit knowledge, and attitude scale scores compared with those who did not adhere. Logistic regression analysis showed that an increased likelihood of adherence to antenatal exercise guidelines was positively correlated with higher scores for attitude toward antenatal exercise.

Adherence to ACOG antenatal exercise guidelines was low and influenced by the attitudes of women, highlighting the need for educational programs.