Abstract:

Despite proven benefits of Regular physical exercise in all phases of life, especially in pregnancy, pregnant women are not seen demonstrating good practice of antenatal exercises at various health centers in Owo. This study aimed to examine the determinants of Antenatal Exercise among Pregnant women in Ondo State. A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 172 pregnant women attending antenatal clinics at FMC Owo. A researcher-structured questionnaire consisted of four sections (A-D) based on the study objectives was administered on pregnant women assisted by trained nurses on each clinic day. Data was analyzed using SPSS version 25.0 and results was presented on frequency /percentage tables, and ANOVA was used to test hypotheses at 95% CI. Most women were in their active reproductive age (28.5 years ±4.02SD), their knowledge, and practice of antenatal exercise were fairly good but most did not follow recommended guidelines by American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists guidelines. Common factors that determined practice of antenatal exercise are number of deliveries (62%), place of residence (54.7%), Health status (70.4%) and economic status (64.0%). This study concluded that there was no significant relationship between knowledge and practices (1.32), but significant relationship exists between occupation (4.43), parity (3.92) and practice of antenatal exercise respectively. Women antenatal exercise practice is still a challenge as it does not meet the recommended guidelines by the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. However, it is recommended that health education on the importance of regular practice of antenatal exercise should be emphasized.

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