The Relationship Between Perceived Social Support and Exercising During Pregnancy and Factors Affecting this Relationship

There are many benefits of exercise practices during pregnancy. However, pregnant women do not exercise or continue despite their benefits. Social support is needed to keep the exercise going. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between perceived social support and exercising during pregnancy and the factors affecting this relationship. This descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted on 164 pregnant women. In the collection of the research data, a questionnaire form, Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support (MSPSS), and Women’s Physical Activity Self-Worth Inventory (WPASWI) were used. It was determined that 74.7% of the participants exercised during their pregnancy period and 36.5% of them exercised regularly. The mean total MSPSS score of the pregnant women was found to be 25.37 ± 12.06 and it was determined that the social support they received was low. The mean total WPASWI score of the pregnant women was found to be 107.27 ± 18.35 and it was determined that their physical activity levels were good. A statistically significant correlation was found between MSPSS and WPASWI in the negative direction (p <0.001). As a result of this study, it was determined that perceived social support affects exercising during pregnancy.