
Dr. Ankita Pal
MBBS, MD
Research Assistant , Clinical Observer
Research Interests:
Brief Bio:
Capstone Project:
Despite numerous physical and mental health benefits of exercise a large number of people fail to engage in a sufficient amount of activity. The sharpest decline in physical activity has been associated with pregnancy. Research has demonstrated prenatal exercise is associated with reduced risk of gestational diabetes, preeclampsia, lower birth weight, improved pain tolerance, depression and enhanced self-image. In addition to promoting maternal health, the fetus has prolonged benefits lasting till adolescence. Canadian guidelines recommend 150 minutes of moderate exercise per week during pregnancy. However, only 20% of women meet this goal in North America. There have been limited attempts to explore the exercise behaviour in Canadian women. Hence, there is a need to understand the activity pattern, attitude and exercise behaviour among pregnant women in Canada. This study is proposed to recognize barriers to an active lifestyle during pregnancy by exploring the knowledge, attitude and practices among pregnant women towards prenatal exercise in Toronto area.

Dr. Ankita Pal
MBBS, MD
Research Assistant , Clinical Observer
Research Interests:
Brief Bio:
Capstone Project:
Despite numerous physical and mental health benefits of exercise a large number of people fail to engage in a sufficient amount of activity. The sharpest decline in physical activity has been associated with pregnancy. Research has demonstrated prenatal exercise is associated with reduced risk of gestational diabetes, preeclampsia, lower birth weight, improved pain tolerance, depression and enhanced self-image. In addition to promoting maternal health, the fetus has prolonged benefits lasting till adolescence. Canadian guidelines recommend 150 minutes of moderate exercise per week during pregnancy. However, only 20% of women meet this goal in North America. There have been limited attempts to explore the exercise behaviour in Canadian women. Hence, there is a need to understand the activity pattern, attitude and exercise behaviour among pregnant women in Canada. This study is proposed to recognize barriers to an active lifestyle during pregnancy by exploring the knowledge, attitude and practices among pregnant women towards prenatal exercise in Toronto area.