Barriers to Physical Activity in Pregnant Women: A Cross-Sectional Study Publisher Pubmed



Fili R ; Behmanesh F ; Omrani A ; Nikbakht HA ; Nazmi S ; Farahani LA
Source: BMC Pregnancy and Childbirth Published:2026

Abstract

Background: Despite the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists’ (ACOG) recommendations on the benefits of physical activity during pregnancy, low levels of physical activity are reported worldwide. This research aims to identify the barriers to physical activity (PA) and their predictors among pregnant women. Methods: In this cross-sectional study, data were collected from 351 pregnant women aged 18–45 with gestational ages of 10–37 weeks through convenience sampling. These women took part in the study from May 2022 to August 2024 and completed a demographic-obstetric scale and the Barriers to Physical Activity during Pregnancy Scale (BPAPS). Data were analyzed using univariate and multivariate linear regression. Results: The total BPAPS score was 78.07 ± 16.25(range 29 to 145). The highest and lowest scores among the subscales were related to environmental barriers (43.67 ± 17.80) and interpersonal barriers (38.74 ± 17.93). The most commonly reported environmental barriers were limited access to sports facilities and the difficulty of exercising in hot or cold weather. In multivariate analysis, educational level (B = 4.39), employment status(B = 9.54), regular physical activity before pregnancy (B = 7.34), and maternal age (B = 0.91) were identified as strong independent predictors of physical activity barriers. Conclusions: This study found that environmental barriers were the most prominent obstacles to physical activity among pregnant women, while interpersonal barriers were perceived as less influential. Higher education, employment, regular physical activity before pregnancy, and younger maternal age were associated with fewer perceived barriers during pregnancy. These findings suggest that addressing physical inactivity in pregnancy may require multilevel approaches that extend beyond individual counseling and consider environmental conditions. The results highlight modifiable factors that may inform future interventions and support healthcare providers in identifying women who are more likely to experience greater barriers to physical activity during pregnancy. © The Author(s) 2026.