Dr. Ankita Pal

MBBS, MD

Mount Sinai Hospital Medical Centre

Research Assistant , Clinical Observer

Research Interests:

I aim to work towards the development of successful models in co-production of health with comprehensive inclusions of all sectors involved in care. I am also passionate about exploring the use of easily available technology to bring healthcare delivery to the doorstep in complex disorders.

Brief Bio:

She is an Obstetrician and Gynecologist with extensive clinical experience in a limited resource setting. Her prior experience includes work as a researcher and health advocate for the advancement of women’s health. Her research has focused on Outcomes in preeclampsia and the development of the Cardiac core outcome set in pregnant women. During her work, she has recognized the importance of active community participation for long-standing and tangible results. Ankita aspires to use Translational Research skills to make women co-partners in their health. Her work primarily focuses on menopausal women but eventually will encompass all women.

Capstone Project:

Healthy Start To A Healthy Life: An Exploration Of Perceptions Among Pregnant Women To Design A Path To Improving Activity Level During Pregnancy

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

Mount Sinai Hospital Medical Centre

Research Assistant , Clinical Observer

Research Interests:

I aim to work towards the development of successful models in co-production of health with comprehensive inclusions of all sectors involved in care. I am also passionate about exploring the use of easily available technology to bring healthcare delivery to the doorstep in complex disorders.

Brief Bio:

She is an Obstetrician and Gynecologist with extensive clinical experience in a limited resource setting. Her prior experience includes work as a researcher and health advocate for the advancement of women’s health. Her research has focused on Outcomes in preeclampsia and the development of the Cardiac core outcome set in pregnant women. During her work, she has recognized the importance of active community participation for long-standing and tangible results. Ankita aspires to use Translational Research skills to make women co-partners in their health. Her work primarily focuses on menopausal women but eventually will encompass all women.

Capstone Project:

Healthy Start To A Healthy Life: An Exploration Of Perceptions Among Pregnant Women To Design A Path To Improving Activity Level During Pregnancy

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.