It is well established in the literature that an active lifestyle produces health benefits, especially
for the prevention of chronic degenerative diseases [1]. For most pregnant women, exercise is
not only safe for fetal health but is also associated with numerous maternal health benefits,
including the prevention and control of gestational diabetes, control of excessive weight gain,
reduction of lower back pain complaints, and positive effects on maternal mental health and
quality of life [2–5]. Therefore, regular exercise is recommended for all healthy pregnant
women. Those who were active before pregnancy and those who were sedentary but want to
begin some activity during pregnancy can practice physical activity, provided that they engage
in activities of moderate intensity and avoid those that present a risk of falling or abdominal
trauma [6,7].
The consensus that physical activity is not harmful to pregnancy and is important for health
and wellness has led some women to choose to stay active during pregnancy. However, the literature
indicates that most pregnant women do not practice any form of exercise and tend to
decrease their level of physical activity, including household and occupational activities [8–11].
Pregnant women have cited discomfort during exercise, fear of harm to the fetus, and a history
of abortion or infertility treatments as reasons for reducing physical activity [12–14]. Among
socio-demographic factors, lower educational level and income, greater number of children at
home are most frequently associated with reduced physical activity [15].
Studies in different populations have produced mixed results, depending on the method
used to assess the prevalence and intensity of exercise [16–19]. Among pregnant Brazilian
women, earlier studies found high physical inactivity rates during pregnancy, leading to a
completely sedentary lifestyle in the third trimester of pregnancy [8–10].
Brazil is a huge country, with large regional differences, social inequalities, and socio-economic
and demographic changes. Although life expectancy has grown longer, it has been
accompanied by increased rates of chronic diseases and obesity, including among reproductive-age
women, which is majority of the population of women. Considering the priority to
increase physical activity levels in the general population, it is necessary to study the actual status
of physical activity in different groups and the factors related to its practice. In the case of
pregnant women, interest is increased by this especially important moment in a woman’s life,
which can have effects on her health in the future.
Mostly in population-based studies, there is a correlation between the use of objective measurement
instruments, such as accelerometers and pedometers, and the application of questionnaires
to assess the level of physical activity [20–23].
This study was aimed at assessing the prevalence of physical activity among pregnant
women in the city of Campinas in southeastern Brazil and to verify what characteristics are
related to exercise during pregnancy. Additionally, maternal and perinatal outcomes were
evaluated.