Physical activity level of pregnant women attended at basic health units of a Brazilian Northeast municipality

Abstract Background Physical activity is a component of a positive lifestyle that can be influenced by the gestational period. Objective To evaluate the level of physical activity and associated factors in pregnant women attended by the Basic Health Units (BHU) of a Northeastern municipality. Method This is a cross-sectional study with a sample of 127 pregnant women assisted by the prenatal program at UBS, Vitória da Conquista/Bahia. The physical activity was investigated by the Pregnancy Physical Activity Questionnaire. The crude and adjusted statistical analyzes explored sociodemographic and lifestyle variables. Results Little more than half of the pregnant women are insufficiently active (52.6%). The largest daily energy expenditures were related to domestic activities. Most of the participants are insufficiently active in leisure (98.9%). Lower income and low school level were associated with lower levels of physical activity. Conclusion More than half of pregnant women presented unsatisfactory values for physical activity levels. When considering leisure activities, few women reported performing any physical activity on a regular basis. Physical activity programs that stimulate, guide and develop different modalities of exercise should be stimulated, considering the health benefits of the pregnant woman and the fetus.