Patient and Healthcare Provider Knowledge of Exercise During Pregnancy.

Title: Patient and Healthcare Provider Knowledge of Exercise During Pregnancy. Authors: Leone, R., Kim, S., Sharma, V., Swain, M. Introduction: Physical activity before and during pregnancy can significantly improve pregnancy outcomes. ACOG’s evidence-based recommendations help healthcare providers (HCPs) educate patients regarding the benefits of exercise during pregnancy. However, many patients do not engage in regular physical activity. We aim to determine how provider counseling on exercise per ACOG recommendations impacts patients’ exercise and perception of exercise during pregnancy. Methods: This is a survey study of HCPs offering prenatal and postpartum care, and pregnant patients. HCPs were given surveys to assess their counseling practices and knowledge of exercise during pregnancy. Patients were given surveys on their knowledge and exercise habits during pregnancy. Univariate analysis compared providers’ and patients’ familiarity with ACOG recommendations and patients’ exercise habits during pregnancy. Results: Of 76 patient responses, those counseled on ACOG recommendations reported significantly more moderate (p=0.047) and vigorous (p=0.017) exercise than those not counseled. Patients counseled on ACOG recommendations were less likely to cite “fear of harming baby” (18.8% versus 32.3%) and “fear of harming myself” (0% versus 8.5%) as reasons for lack of exercise. Of 43 provider responses, 62.5% reported feeling comfortable counseling on exercise. However, the frequency of exercise counseling varied (Rarely 21.2%, Sometimes 27.3%, Often 45.5%, Always 6.1%). Conclusions/Implications: Our study demonstrates the importance of routine HCP counseling on exercise in pregnancy and how this may impact patients’ participation. It also highlights the importance of providers to become familiar with ACOG recommendations. Further data collection to identify specific gaps in counseling and patient knowledge may help improve maternal-fetal outcomes.