Participants had adequate knowledge of ACOG
guidelines for exercise during pregnancy, but most
failed to exercise according to recommendations.
Previous research suggests pregnant women acquire
information regarding exercise before or during
pregnancy to avoid excess weight gain out of fear
they will not be able to return to their pre-pregnancy
weight (Fairburn & Welch, 1989). Others have suggested
woman acquire exercise knowledge during
pregnancy to ensure the health of their offspring
however, barriers such as lack of motivation, lack of
time, and lack of support can inhibit maintenance
of an exercise regimen (Derbyshire, 2007; Begley,
2002).