Knowledge about Physical Activity and Taking Up Physical Activity by Pregnant Women Covered by Obstetric and Gynecological Care in Selected Facilities in the Lodz Voivodeship

Abstract Introduction Pregnancy is a special time in a woman’s life. Physical activity during pregnancy, after excluding possible contraindications and adjusting the appropriate form of exercise, benefits both the mother and the developing child. It is recommended that pregnant women exercise about 150 minutes per week, especially recommended disciplines are walking, swimming and aerobic exercise. Objective To assess the knowledge of pregnant women from the Lodz Voivodeship about taking up physical activity. Material and methodology Original online survey questionnaire consisting of 33 questions. The study involved 111 pregnant women. Inclusion criteria: pregnant women, aged between 20 and 40 years, residents of the Lodz Voivodeship, informed consent to participate in the study. Results Women taking physical activity before becoming pregnant accounted for 56.73% of subjects, while 63.96% of subjects were physically active during pregnancy. Pregnant women most often chose walking (33.33%), swimming (27.93%) and indoor cycling (18.02%). The most popular sources of knowledge for pregnant women were: medical staff (72.07%), Internet (41.44%) and family (30.36%). Conclusions Women who exercised before pregnancy continued to be active during pregnancy. More than half of the previously non-exercising pregnant women were inactive. Among those who exercise before pregnancy, the most common forms of physical exercise are: fitness, swimming, running and cycling. Among pregnant women walking, swimming and cycling. The most popular sources of knowledge about physical activity among pregnant women were: medical staff and the Internet. Educational activities should be carried out to promote and raise awareness of physical activity.