INTRODUCTION: The benefits of physical activity during pregnancy on fetal growth, maternal health and pregnancy outcomes have been debated; however, studies on the physical activity patterns during this period are still scarce. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the physical activity patterns of pregnant women attending the Family Health Strategy at the municipality of Campina Grande, PB. METHODS:A cohort of 118 pregnant women was followed from 2005 to 2006. Follow up started on the 16th gestational week and continued at every four weeks to assess clinical conditions and collect obstetric and socio-economic information. A specific questionnaire on physical activity was applied on the 16th, 24th and 32nd gestational weeks, which was estimated through the weekly sum of the metabolic equivalent (MET). Daily activities were classified in four groups: labor, household, walking, and inactivity. According to the physical activity pattern, women were classified as sedentary, or performing light, moderate or vigorous activity. The data set was analyzed in Epi Info 3.4.1 RESULTS: The socioeconomic characteristics of the cohort described a population of low levels of income and education. The physical activity pattern observed since the first gestational trimester was low, ranging from light to sedentary and it decreased along pregnancy. On the 32nd gestational week 100% of the women were sedentary. Regarding physical activity groups, women spent more time on household activities followed by recreational activities. CONCLUSION:The physical activity pattern observed was inadequate form the beginning of pregnancy and it worsened in the third gestational trimester.
Physical activity; Pregnancy; MET
