Physical activity and exercise during pregnancy in Turkey: A narrative review

Abstract

It is known that physical activity (PA) in pregnancy is beneficial for both women and fetal health. For the optimal exercise prescription, healthcare professionals interested in obstetrics-gynecology should evaluate women carefully before making any exercise recommendations during pregnancy. If there aren’t any contraindications, pregnant women should be encouraged to engage in regular physical activity. This narrative review aimed to determine PA during pregnancy in Turkey. A literature search was performed in the databases. A total of 29 original articles on PA during pregnancy in Turkey were included in this present study. Eighteen studies were chosen from among these articles for analysis. Two studies assessed PA levels in pregnancy with objective/direct methods such as PA monitors and pedometers, and non-objective/indirect methods were used in all 18 studies. Regarding exercise types, the most preferred exercises during pregnancy were walking, breathing exercises, strengthening exercises, and stretching neck muscles. This narrative review revealed that the level of PA participation and the frequency of regular exercise during pregnancy in Turkey is inadequate. More studies are necessary to examine PA participation from various contexts during pregnancy in Turkey to guide interventions for improving maternal health.