Physical activity level and its associated factors among pregnant women: A cross‐sectional study in northern Jordan

Abstract Objectives Physical activity (PA) provides immediate and long‐term health benefits during pregnancy. While some related work exists, comprehensive evidence on PA levels and determinants during pregnancy in Jordan remains limited. This study explored PA levels and associated factors among pregnant women in northern Jordan. Method A cross‐sectional design was used. Data on demographics, socioeconomic status, health, and pregnancy history were collected using questionnaires, including the Pregnancy Physical Activity Questionnaire, the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, and the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index. Participants were recruited from major hospitals in northern Jordan. Results The sample comprised 199 pregnant women, with a mean age of 30.69 (±5.32) years and a mean gestational age of 30.50 (±6.32) weeks. Mean weekly energy expenditure was 232.64 (±137.90) metabolic equivalent hours (MET‐h), and 83.4% met the World Health Organization (WHO) 2020 recommendation (moderate‐to‐vigorous physical activity MVPA ≥7.5 MET‐h/week). Weekly energy expenditure by intensity was 50.33 (±38.18) MET‐h/week sedentary, 118.06 (±57.91) MET‐h/week light, 62.51 (±74.25) MET‐h/week moderate, and 1.25 (±3.97) MET‐h/week vigorous. Household/caregiving, occupational, and sports/exercise activities accounted for 135.19 (±77.94), 39.25 (±87.66), and 4.80 (±6.75) MET‐h/week, respectively. Linear regression showed that being employed ( β = 142.08, P < 0.001), longer time since last pregnancy ( β = 0.92, P = 0.011), and leg cramps ( β = 37.25, P = 0.044) were associated with higher PA scores, whereas receiving household assistance ( β = −34.78, P = 0.038) and higher depression scores ( β = −5.90, P = 0.023) were associated with lower PA scores. Conclusion Most pregnant women in northern Jordan met the WHO 2020 MVPA recommendation, but overall activity was dominated by light‐intensity household/caregiving tasks with minimal sports/exercise. The results identified potential strategies to increase physical activity levels among pregnant women in northern Jordan.