الفهرس | Only 14 pages are availabe for public view |
Abstract The aim of this study was to determine the relationship between daily physical activity during pregnancy and the initiation of preterm delivery and birth weight. The study was conduct at the Kebly Maternal and child Health (MCH) center in Shebin El-Kom, Menofia Governorate using an analytic cross-sectional design. It included a convenience sample of 500 pregnant women with gestational age between 32 and 36 weeks, and no history of chronic diseases. Data collection tools included a structured interview questionnaire from for socio-demographic data, obstetrics history, and daily physical activity such as housekeeping activities and work outside home. The tools were finalized according to pilot study findings.IT is concluded that physical effort spent by pregnant women at home and at outside work have significant impact on the maturity of their infants. Strenuous exercise such as carrying heavy weights in bringing water is hazardous, whereas the usual daily activities of home chores are beneficial to pregnant women. In the light of these findings, educational programs are recommended to increase women’s awareness about proper physical activities during pregnancy, particularly for women at high-risk for preterm or low birth weight ( LBW ) labor . |