OBJECTIVE: The study aimed to assess the prevalence of prenatal exercise practice in Saudi pregnant women attending the physical therapy department at Maternity and Children Hospital in Dammam. Also, to evaluate the knowledge, attitudes, and practices of expectant mothers in Maternity and Children Hospital in Dammam regarding prenatal exercise.

Methods: A total of 508 Saudi pregnant women, aged (≥18 years old) were enrolled in the prenatal clinic, physiotherapy department, and Maternity and Children Hospital in Dammam from 20 February 2023 to 31st August 2023. A structured questionnaire was administered face-to-face to collect data. Data were analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS).

RESULTS: There was a significant association between knowledge about the benefits of prenatal exercises. However, there was no significant association between knowledge about contraindications and prenatal exercises. We found significance between knowledge score and education.

CONCLUSION: Generally, the knowledge of our women on exercise during pregnancy was high and their attitude was favorable. Few were practicing exercise in pregnancy. The main reason for the reduced practice was a lack of awareness of the demerits of exercise in pregnancy.

KEYWORDS:  knowledge, pregnancy, exercise, Saudi Arabia, Practice, Attitude, Physiotherapy