It is well established that healthful behaviors
before, during, and after exercise are associated with
positive birth outcomes however, gaps seem to exist
in knowledge and behavior exhibited by women during
to pregnancy (Martens, Hernandez, Strickland,
& Boatwright, 2006). Although rates of infant and
maternal deaths related to pregnancy complications
have decreased over the last few decades, disparities
among minority, low income, and less educated
populations remain. Pregnancies in Hispanic and
African American populations are more likely to be
complicated and end in infant or maternal death.
(CDC, 2005). Research indicates healthful behaviors
during pregnancy can significantly reduce maternal
and infant risk factors and would assist in efforts
to reduce disparities among populatio