Abstract

OBJECTIVE: To know the perception and participation in Physical Education classes (PE) of women between 18 and 30 years old pregnant during the school stage. MATERIALS AND METHODS: 111 women who were pregnant at school answered a questionnaire voluntarily. The questionnaire was specially designed for this research and validated through expert judgment. The study had a quantitative, retrospective, non-probability sampling approach. The analysis included Pearson's Chi-square test (p < 0.05). RESULTS: 31.5% of the participants participated in PE classes during pregnancy, but 75% stated that PE classes are beneficial for "fetal" and "newborn health." CONCLUSION: Despite the low participation in PE classes, the respondents think physical exercise and PE classes during gestation help good embryonic development and newborn health.