Regionally based medical practitioners may need support when prescribing exercise to pregnant women

Physical activity (PA) undertaken in accordance with exercise during pregnancy guidelines is associated with a variety of health benefits. Despite these health benefits, very few women are sufficiently active during pregnancy. International research suggests that medical practitioners (MP) play a vital role in assisting women to exercise during pregnancy, with exercise counselling by MP found to be effective and feasible in increasing PA levels in pregnant women. An increase in visits to MP during pregnancy places MP in a unique position to offer consistent PA/exercise counselling and support. Specifically, pregnant women see their MP up to 11 times over the course of an uncomplicated pregnancy. Please refer to the full manuscript for additional information