Barriers to physical activity profile and related factors during pregnancy: a latent profile analysis

Background Physical activity is a modifiable factor that contributes to maternal and fetal health. The percentage of pregnant women who did not meet World Health Organization recommendations was high. Recent studies have found that there are some barriers to PA during pregnancy and influencing factors; however, little is known about the exploration of population heterogeneity. Thus, this study emphasizes the distinct profiles of barriers to physical activity during pregnancy and the relevant factors, which are essential for screening potential groups with high levels of barriers to PA during pregnancy, quickly, and exhibiting a novel perspective for the management of barriers to physical activity among pregnant women. Methods A descriptive cross-sectional survey was carried out at one general hospital in Shanghai, China from December 1, 2024, to May 31, 2025. 300 pregnant women completed the demographic characteristics questionnaire, social support rating scale, generalized anxiety disorder-7 (GAD-7) questionnaires, the barriers to physical activity during pregnancy scale during pregnancy. Latent profile analysis(LPA) was used to identify groups showing different levels of barriers to physical activity during pregnancy. Additionally, univariate analysis and multinominal logistic regression analysis were used to reveal the factors influencing different groups. Results Three profiles of barriers to PA during pregnancy emerged: “Low physical activity barrier-worry about pregnancy complication group”(10.3%), “Moderate physical activity barrier- pregnancy-related discomfort symptom group”(54.3%), and “High physical activity barrier group”(35.3%). Multinomial logistic regression analysis revealed that the frequency of pre-pregnancy exercise and social support were significant factors affecting barriers to physical activity profiles. Conclusion We categorized barriers to PA during pregnancy and identified risk factors. Healthcare providers can provide targeted interventions for pregnant women according to the factors influencing different profiles to reduce the level of PA barriers in pregnant women.