Doctor of Physical Therapy: Exercise During Pregnancy Research Report

This research report, submitted for a Doctor of Physical Therapy deficiency course, investigates the views of 120 medical practitioners in Karachi regarding exercise during pregnancy. The study explores their beliefs on the benefits of exercise, including cardiovascular health, gestational diabetes risk reduction, and pelvic floor exercises, while also examining their understanding of ACOG guidelines and their advice to patients. Findings reveal that while most practitioners acknowledge the advantages of exercise, there are gaps in knowledge regarding specific aspects like incontinence treatment and the provision of individualized exercise plans. The report concludes with recommendations for improved patient education and the development of clearer, evidence-based guidelines to enhance maternal well-being. This comprehensive study offers valuable insights into the current practices and perceptions of healthcare providers regarding exercise during pregnancy, highlighting areas for improvement in patient care and education.

EXERCISE DURING PREGNANCY ACKNOWLEDGMENT AND
BELIEFS OF MEDICAL PRACTITIONERS
A Research Report submitted in partial fullfillment of the requirement for the
Doctor of Physical Therapy
Deficiency Course
By
Darshan Kumar
Research Supervisor
Dr. Muhammad Saad Khan
College of Physiotherapy 2017

Exercise i
Acknowledgements
I hereby acknowledge that this work has been merely completed with the due
and constant assistance of Prof. Dr. -----------. I really thank for his kind and cooperative
attitude in the course of my research work. Apart from my academic, I am also thankful
to my family, who supported me both financially, emotionally and most important i.e.
timely.

Exercise ii
Dedications
I feel of great gratitude, and proudness to dedicate my all research work to--------,
whose encouragement and appreciation led to the completion of my work.

Exercise iii
Abstract
The objective of the study was to find out the views of medical professionals about the
exercise during different phases and stages of pregnancy. In this regard, 120 medical
practitioners across Karachi were surveyed. The exercise is an incredible advantage to
control the increase in the unjustified mass of pregnancy and its misunderstanding. This
is an opinion that is closely related to current research. Similarly, our research has
shown that a significant proportion of the respondents are well combined with the
strengthening of cardiovascular diseases, quality, examples of rest, and the reduction of
the risk of gestational diabetes. The discoveries that most professionals did not
understand were useful to work in the waiting and treatment of incontinence. Women
are encouraged to begin pelvic floor practice during pregnancy and during the period of
the infant blues, which should be strengthened with the basic services of the level.
Likewise, ongoing continuous auditing involves a reduction in risk. This study had
reliable information about most of the benefits of this activity. There was evidence that
they were typical for research and clinical studies of exercises in the context of
pregnancy. Several tests showed a lack of information about the rules of the social
service provider.

Exercise iv
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Acknowledgements.....................................................................................................................i
Dedications...................................................................................................................................ii
Abstract........................................................................................................................................iii
TABLE OF CONTENTS..............................................................................................................iv
1.0 Introduction..............................................................................................................................5
2.0 Research Methodology.........................................................................................................7
3.0 Results and Discussion.........................................................................................................8
4.0 Conclusion...............................................................................................................................8
5.0 References............................................................................................................................10

Exercise 5
1.0 Introduction
The medical benefits of functional pregnancy are known. The somewhat positive
relationship between standard motion and maternal results was unmistakably illustrated.
For example, a functioning pregnancy demonstrated an improvement in cardiovascular
and metabolic abilities, as well as an improvement in bone quality and thickness
(Holland, 2017). Regular exercise seems to reduce the risk of gestational diabetes,
gestational hypertension, and preeclampsia. Evidence also exists for work while waiting
for urinary incontinence during pregnancy and during baby blues (Igwesi-Chidobe et al.,
2017).
Similarly, in the study of Hopkinson, (2018), it was shown that this reduces the
unnecessary increase in the weight of the gestation, which is an imperative indicator of
various adverse maternal outcomes. More convincing evidence suggests embryonic
baseline data for adult diseases. The maternal mass can lead to an early fetus, which,
apparently, has a significant impact on the stability of offspring in adult life (Zulfiqar et
al., 2018). This is especially important for the women of Pakistan like the women in
South Africa, where many people are widespread, and, as already noted, they are
strongly associated with physical idleness.
Statistical reviews in the world showed comparative models of sexual orientation
for recreation, where 56 percent are idle, presumably against 44 percent of men
(Harrison et al., 2018). Although there is currently no information on the extent of
physical activity of Pakistani women during pregnancy, the letter states that women are
particularly helpless against idleness, and recommendations for prenatal activity have a
protective effect on these variable hazards. ACOG (The American College of
Obstetricians and Gynecologists) rules were less stringent than valuable evidence for
exercises against the background of pregnancy, the American colleagues of
obstetricians and gynecologists, since they were first published in 1989. It is obvious
that pregnant women without medical or obstetric misunderstandings are strongly
advised to show interest in vigorous and low-power reinforcing efforts of medium power
(Kingdon et al., 2018). Some additional contemplation may include restrictions for
recumbent exercises or exercises that may increase the danger of falling or touching. In
addition, a practical term, repetition, and strength can be recommended in a separate
room to maintain a strategic distance from potential hyperthermia.
Although during the treatment, it is recommended to be careful, the benefits of
dynamism in the period before birth far outweighs the fears. Significant social care
providers are very inclined to increase the burden on a pregnant woman and may have
an urgent task for the practice of motivating and educating women (Crawford, 2018).
Om the community, short consultations with a general practitioner turned out to be
financially resourceful and fruitful in order to increase the level of movement ( Downs et

Exercise 6
al., 2017). Thus, a significant expectation of attention to the disease can have a
profound effect on people born before birth and the next centuries. Although
empowering women with uncomplicated pregnancies should be an integral part of
antenatal care, little is known about the prospects for medical workers on this issue in
Karachi.
The objective of the study was to find out the views of medical professionals
about the exercise during different phases and stages of pregnancy

Exercise 7
2.0 Research Methodology
This study following a cross-sectional approach involved a review of the literature
that aimed at solving exercises and studying pregnancy with the participation of
deputies. The study involved 120 healthcare professionals in Karachi, including general
practitioners. The study was planned using distributed questionnaires. The survey
consisted of different questions on the amiable type scale. The survey was conducted to
maintain and create legitimacy, as well as a specialized utility and ease of use.
Examinations were passed to general practitioners located in all regions of
Karachi, where the medical practitioners were included in the manual distribution. The
study used closed-ended questions, according to which contact points of interest for the
selected test were obtained. Rehabilitation practitioners who were not registered with
the healthcare system of Pakistan were excluded from this study. In addition, due to
temporary imperatives and the elimination of publicly accessible service centers and
medical practitioners working exclusively among people, in general, were also rejected
from the investigation. The results were analysed using the SPSS, which is a software
and allows to analyse the statistical and numerical data.

Exercise 8
3.0 Results and Discussion
Attitudes of practitioners to key questions N = 100
Statement Numbers percent of responders who
indicated
Strongly
agree Agree Disagree Strongly
disagree
Exercising during pregnancy is advantageous. 64 67 30 31 2 2 0 0
Advising patients on exercise during the
pregnancy is not a big aspect of prenatal care. 44 17 18 41 43 34 35
Pregnant women adhere to the advice. 7 7 64 67 23 24 2 2
A sedentary woman has a simple pregnancy
must not begin an exercise. 6 6 11 12 58 60 21 22
Pregnant women doing the daily exercises
who must not be encouraged to continue an
exercise programme.
42 44 47 49 7 7 0 0
Pregnant women are not required to take part
in a strength-training programme while
pregnancy
12 13 28 29 47 49 99
The proclamations regarding information and practice in the field of medicine
were published in the above table. For a significant part of the respondents, 55 percent
revealed that patients asked about it during the visit. Despite this interest, about 81
percent of the experts offer admonitions or training brochures, and only 16 percent
provide individual means for physical exercise. In addition, 70 percent do not regularly
practice incarceration and 14 percent believe that a practice with low power is sufficient
to receive medical benefits.
A significant proportion of 82 percent of the respondents was not satisfied with
the ACOG rules for the implementation of pregnancy in Karachi. In a survey of basic
examinations before birth, about a quarter of 23 percent of respondents reported that
they did not refer their patients to other social care providers for exercise. Furthermore,
44 percent showed that they were not informed about any activity or mentor in their
common environment. However, 38 percent indicated that they would contact a doctor
to obtain information about biokinetics, 24 percent a physical trainer and 21 percent a
physiotherapist.

Exercise 9
4.0 Conclusion
The restorative vocation of the women in Karachi seemed to be confirmed to a
large extent by the fact that this activity is valuable in the context of pregnancy. In the
last two decades, research in the field of prenatal practice has expanded through the
development of inventive procedures to reduce the gap between research and clinical
practice. This seems an incredible requirement for a clear design based on evidence of
data through successive instructions that can be delivered to patients. Strengthening
maternal well-being is a key mandate of parliamentarians can have a significant impact
on the development of activities and changes in the welfare of pregnant women.
Although comparative studies were conducted in different countries in this study
is the first of its kind to evaluate the beliefs and dispositions of health care providers in
Karachi regarding the resolution of exercises in the context of pregnancy. Access to the
pregnancy rule in Karachi during pregnancy is possible but such studies are crucial in
determining how and how these general health reports are provided at a substantial
level of consideration.

Exercise 10
5.0 References
Crawford, B., 2018. Perceptions of Preconception Health and Prenatal Care by Young
Adult Women and Men at Risk for Unintended Pregnancies.
Downs, D.S., DiNallo, J.M., Birch, L.L., Paul, I.M. and Ulbrecht, J.S., 2017. Randomized
Face-to-face vs. Home exercise interventions in pregnant women with
gestational diabetes. Psychology of sport and exercise, 30, pp.73-81.
Harrison, A.L., Taylor, N.F., Shields, N. and Frawley, H.C., 2018. Attitudes, barriers, and
enablers to physical activity in pregnant women: a systematic review. Journal of
physiotherapy, 64(1), pp.24-32.
Holland, K., 2017. Cultural awareness in nursing and health care: an introductory text.
Routledge.
Hopkinson, Y., 2018. Midwives understanding of physical activity guidelines during
pregnancy. Midwifery, 59, pp.23-26.
Igwesi-Chidobe, C.N., Kitchen, S., Sorinola, I.O. and Godfrey, E.L., 2017. “A life of living
death”: the experiences of people living with chronic low back pain in rural
Nigeria. Disability and rehabilitation, 39(8), pp.779-790.
Kingdon, C., Downe, S. and Betran, A.P., 2018. Women’s and communities’ views of
targeted educational interventions to reduce unnecessary caesarean section: a
qualitative evidence synthesis. Reproductive health, 15(1), p.130.
Zulfiqar, T., Nolan, C.J., Banwell, C., Young, R., Boisseau, L., Ingle, M. and Lithander,
F.E., 2018. Barriers to a healthy lifestyle for three-to four-year-old children of
Australian-born and overseas-born mothers with post-gestational diabetes: An
Australian qualitative study. Journal of Child Health Care, p.1367493518759240.