Exercise Behaviors and Beliefs Among Pregnant Women in Rural Communities

Exercise during pregnancy is safe and beneficial; however, most pregnant women do not meet evidence-based exercise recommendations. Further, data on pregnant women's physical activity are largely limited to women living in urban environments. Purpose. The purpose of this study is to examine beliefs and behaviors regarding exercise during pregnancy in pregnant and postpartum women living in rural communities. Methods. Surveys were distributed in healthcare settings and via social media to pregnant and postpartum (< 3 months) women living in rural communities. Results. Seventy-five women (28.1 +/- 5.4 year) participated. Nearly all believed light (96%) and moderate (89%) intensity exercise are safe to perform during pregnancy, while fewer agreed vigorous intensity (52%) or resistance (40%) exercise is safe. Most (88%) believed women can continue their exercise regimen, and 73% believed that previously inactive women can begin training while pregnant. Only one-third of women met recommendations for cardiorespiratory exercise. The majority (66%) never engaged in vigorous exercise, and most (73%) did not participate in resistance exercise. Conclusion. Pregnant women in rural communities participate in light intensity exercise, but are largely not meeting guidelines for aerobic or resistance training. Knowledge related to safe exercises, particularly resistance training, during pregnancy is limited. Targeted education and programmatic planning are needed in this population regarding exercise guidelines.