Assessing physical activity levels and associated factors among pregnant women in Hanoi, Vietnam: a facility-based cross-sectional study

Background: Physical activity (PA) during pregnancy offers substantial health benefits for both mothers and fetuses. However, many pregnant women do not meet recommended activity levels. This study aimed to evaluate PA levels and associated factors among pregnant women in Hanoi, Vietnam. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 234 pregnant women attending prenatal check-ups at Hanoi Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital from January to May 2024. Data on demographics, clinical history, and pregnancy-related activities were collected using the Pregnancy Physical Activity Questionnaire. PA levels were classified based on the 2020 WHO guidelines recommending at least 150 minutes of moderate- to vigorous-intensity activity (≥3 METs) per week. Logistic regression was used to identify associated factors. Results: Only 20.9% of participants met WHO PA guidelines. Most PA was light intensity (33.3%) and primarily housework-related (69.7%). Only 22.2% engaged in exercise during pregnancy, with slow walking being the most common activity. Adequate PA was significantly associated with maternal age 25–34 years (odds ratio [OR]=0.33, 95% confidence intervals [CI]: 0.12–0.93), age ≥35 years (OR=0.16, 95% CI: 0.04–0.63), pre-pregnancy exercise habits of 1–4 times/week (OR=3.03, 95% CI: 1.21–7.62) or ≥5 times/week (OR=3.59, 95% CI: 1.05–12.24), and proximity to fitness facilities (OR=2.51, 95% CI: 1.07–5.89). Conclusions: Most pregnant women in this study did not meet recommended PA levels. Promoting regular exercise before pregnancy, especially among older women, and improving access to fitness facilities may help enhance PA during pregnancy.