Exercise During Pregnancy: What Do OB/GYNs Believe and Practice? A Descriptive Analysis.

Although regular exercise is recommended during non-complicated pregnancies to promote maternal and fetal/infant health, estimates suggest that only 15% of expectant mothers achieve current exercise recommendations. Although lack of motivation and fear related to potential fetal injury are often cited as reasons for not engaging in regular physical activity/exercise during pregnancy, less is understood about individual attitudes and practice habits of obstetrician and gynecologists (OB/GYNs) regarding exercise recommendations that may influence patient engagement in exercise during pregnancy. To describe the attitudes, knowledge, and clinical practice of OB/GYNs regarding exercise during pregnancy.