Ikpeme, MoAlhussain, Maha2024-11-262024-09-30https://hdl.handle.net/20.500.14154/73825Background: Engaging in regular physical activity (PA) during pregnancy is crucial for improving maternal and fetal health outcomes. Activities range from light exercises, like walking, to more structured moderate-intensity activities. Guidelines from the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) recommend pregnant women engage in at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity PA per week, yet global adherence rates, particularly in Saudi Arabia, remain low due to various barriers. Methods: A comprehensive literature search was conducted across six databases, including Embase, Web of Science, Medline, PubMed, ASSIA, and APA PsycInfo. The review focused on studies addressing barriers to PA among pregnant women in Saudi Arabia. The SPICE framework guided the search strategy, and the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) Critical Appraisal Checklist was used to assess study quality. Results: Out of 1,138 studies identified, five were included in the final review. Key barriers identified included sociodemographic factors such as age, education, and number of pregnancies. Cultural beliefs and lack of knowledge were significant barriers, with many women believing exercise could harm their pregnancies. Social influences, particularly family discouragement, and environmental factors, such as lack of access to safe exercise facilities, further hindered PA. Additionally, women cited fatigue, lack of time, and motivation as major personal barriers to engaging in regular exercise during pregnancy. Conclusion: The review identified several barriers that prevent pregnant women in Saudi Arabia from engaging in regular PA. Cultural beliefs, social norms, and limited knowledge about the benefits of PA contribute to these challenges. Environmental factors and personal barriers like fatigue and time constraints also play a significant role in reducing PA levels during pregnancy. Addressing these barriers through education and access to resources may help improve PA participation rates and enhance maternal health outcomes.85enBarriersPhysical ActivityPregnancySaudi ArabiaThesis