New Research on Prenatal Health and Provider Counseling

My research was published in the Physical Activity and Health Journal. We examined the sociodemographic factors related to the beliefs and behaviors of women in the South regarding physical activity during pregnancy and whether women’s beliefs and behaviors were associated with provider counseling. Participants viewed physical activity as beneficial, but they had specific barriers to exercise during pregnancy and did not perceive themselves as susceptible to common health conditions. Participants looked to providers as their primary source of support, although provider counseling appears ineffective. Given the paucity of physical activity in the South and high levels of obesity-related chronic disease among expecting patients, improved provider counseling is essential to prenatal health. Click the button below to read the full article.