Physical Activity Patterns and Factors Affecting Exercise During Pregnancy in Females of Lahore

Abstract

Background: Physical activity during pregnancy is associated with improved maternal and fetal outcomes, yet actual participation remains suboptimal in many low- and middle-income settings. There is a notable research gap regarding physical activity patterns and influencing factors among pregnant women in urban Pakistan. Objective: This study aimed to assess the patterns of physical activity and identify the key personal, familial, cultural, and professional factors affecting exercise behaviors among pregnant females in Lahore. Methods: A cross-sectional observational study was conducted among pregnant women attending outpatient departments at five major hospitals in Lahore (n = 125). Inclusion criteria were women in any trimester of a single, uncomplicated pregnancy who were literate and consented to participate; women with high-risk pregnancies, multiple gestations, or psychological disorders were excluded. Data were collected using the validated Pregnancy Physical Activity Questionnaire (PPAQ), a structured survey on social and cultural influences, and the Evaluation of Exercise During Pregnancy Questionnaire. The primary outcomes were exercise frequency, type, and intensity, as well as the nature of advice received. Ethical approval was granted by the Institutional Review Board of the University of Lahore in accordance with the Helsinki Declaration. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 27.0 with descriptive statistics, chi-square tests, and significance set at p < 0.05. Results: The mean age of participants was 26.93 ± 5.05 years, with most being housewives. Only 24.0% reported regular pre-pregnancy exercise. Activity levels peaked in the second trimester (60.0%) but were lowest in the first and third trimesters (35.2% and 4.8%, respectively). Walking was the most common activity. Professional advice was a significant predictor of activity (χ² = 10.887, p = 0.012), while cultural and family beliefs showed no significant association. Conclusion: Physical activity patterns among pregnant women in Lahore remain insufficient, with healthcare provider recommendations emerging as the most influential determinant. Proactive, evidence-based counseling should be integrated into routine antenatal care to enhance maternal health outcomes and bridge the knowledge–behavior gap in similar urban populations.