Types of physical activity during pregnancy

Abstract

In normal pregnancy, there is no need for women to give up their current life activities. Every woman should take care of her organism through being active and maintaining physical and mental health, good posture and keeping proper body weight. There is no doubt that individually tailored physical activity during pregnancy is essential. The aim of this study was to investigate the selected forms of physical activity undertaken during pregnancy and to compare the level of physical activity before pregnancy and during its duration. The survey questionnaire method was used and a literature review was performed as well. The research tool was designed for the purpose of this study and it was designed by the author of this research. The study was conducted among 100 pregnant women living in the Lublin Province. The data collected during the survey were subjected to statistical analysis. We have observed that the level of physical activity during pregnancy increased in the study group. Before pregnancy, most women chose walking (29%) as a preferred form of physical activity or aerobics (18%). Some subjects practiced several times a week (36%), and some respondents did not practice any physical activity at all (27%). During pregnancy, most women attempted to improve their physical activity, usually by means of walking (43%) or attending antenatal classes (20%). In total, 37% of the respondents exercised once a week, and 28% of the studied women even several times a week. Physical activity during pregnancy is very popular among women in the Lublin area. According to studies by various authors physical activity carries many benefits for both mother and baby, so pregnant women should be encouraged to perform physical exercises if there are no contraindications.