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Geburtshilfe Frauenheilkd 2017; 77(05): 508-515
DOI: 10.1055/s-0043-107785
GebFra Science
Original Article/Originalarbeit
Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart · New York

Physical Exercise During Pregnancy – How Active Are Pregnant Women in Germany and How Well Informed?

Article in several languages: English | deutsch
Thorsten Schmidt
1   Supportivangebote Sport- und Bewegungstherapie Universitätsklinikum Schleswig-Holstein, Campus Kiel, Kiel
,
Thorsten Heilmann
2   Universitätsklinikum Schleswig-Holstein Campus Kiel, Klinik für Gynäkologie und Geburtshilfe, Kiel
,
Luisa Savelsberg
3   Institut für Sportwissenschaft, Christian-Albrechts-Universität Kiel, Kiel
,
Nicolai Maass
2   Universitätsklinikum Schleswig-Holstein Campus Kiel, Klinik für Gynäkologie und Geburtshilfe, Kiel
,
Burkhard Weisser
3   Institut für Sportwissenschaft, Christian-Albrechts-Universität Kiel, Kiel
,
Christel Eckmann-Scholz
2   Universitätsklinikum Schleswig-Holstein Campus Kiel, Klinik für Gynäkologie und Geburtshilfe, Kiel
› Author Affiliations
Further Information

Publication History

received 27 February 2017
revised 27 March 2017

accepted 28 March 2017

Publication Date:
24 May 2017 (online)

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Abstract

Introduction There is sufficient evidence showing the positive effects of physical exercise on various aspects of pregnancy. This study evaluates knowledge and status of physical exercise among pregnant women.

Methods The standardised paper-pencil questionnaire “Pregnancy Physical Activity Questionnaire” (PPAQ) as well as general demographic questions were used to assess the exercise behaviour of study participants. 83 questionnaires completed by women presenting to the Kiel University Hospital for antenatal assessment were included in the analysis.

Results At the time of questionnaire completion 10 women were in the first trimester of pregnancy, 64 in the second, and 9 in the third. Just less than 90% of participants felt they had been informed “sufficiently” on the topic physical exercise during pregnancy, over 50% felt they were “well” or “very well” informed. Just less than half of participants received their information from a doctor (either their gynaecologist or general practitioner) and none of these felt “insufficiently” informed. Almost 80% of participants reported still doing no sport or less exercise than before falling pregnant. The maximum proportional energy expenditure for recreational activity – just under 20% – was in the third trimester. Women who felt they had been well counselled tended to have higher activity levels.

Conclusion Study participants demonstrated a clear decline in physical exercise during pregnancy despite clear evidence of the benefits of regular exercise for pregnant women, and despite participants feeling they were well informed. Detailed information on the recommendations for physical exertion in pregnancy should form an integral part of antenatal counselling.

Key words

pregnancy - physical exercise - sport - information - counselling
 

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