Perceptions of antenatal exercise in pregnant females and the impact of COVID-19

France-Ratcliffe, Madeleine; Hopkins, Nicola D.; Low, David A.; Cocks, Matthew S.; Jones, Helen; Sheen, Kayleigh S.; Sprung, Victoria S.

Abstract

Exercise during pregnancy presents many benefits for the mother and baby. Yet, pregnancy is characterised by a decrease in exercise. Studies have reported barriers to antenatal exercise. The coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic may have further exacerbated barriers to antenatal exercise as pregnant females faced many challenges. Rich, in-depth exploration into pregnant female’s perceived barriers to antenatal exercise during COVID-19 is imperative. Questionnaires reporting physical activity levels were completed by all participants (n = 14). Semi-structured interviews were conducted between November 2020 and May 2021 in the UK. Interviews were analysed using thematic analysis and revealed four main themes: ‘Perceptions of being an active person shaping activity levels in pregnancy’, ‘How do I know what is right? Uncertainty, seeking validation and feeling informed’, ‘Motivators to antenatal exercise’ and ‘A process of adaptations and adjustment’. Findings indicate that the COVID-19 pandemic exacerbated barriers to antenatal exercise and highlight the importance of direct psychosocial support and clear, trustworthy information. Findings also support the fundamental need for better education amongst healthcare professionals regarding antenatal exercise.

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Acceptance Date: Aug 23, 2022
• Online Publication Date: Aug 26, 2022
• Publication Date: Aug 26, 2022
• Deposit Date: Oct 17, 2022
• Publicly Available Date: Oct 18, 2022
• Journal: International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health
• Print ISSN: 1661-7827
• Electronic ISSN: 1660-4601
• Publisher: MDPI
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• Volume: 19
• Issue: 17
• Pages: 10635
• Series ISSN: 1660-4601
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph191710635
• Keywords: Health, Toxicology and Mutagenesis; Public Health, Environmental and Occupational Health; pregnancy; exercise; COVID-19; COVID-19 Pandemic; physical activity; interview
• Public URL: https://uwe-repository.worktribe.com/output/10022238
• Publisher URL: https://www.mdpi.com/1660-4601/19/17/10635
• Related Public URLs: https://www.mdpi.com/journal/ijerph/special_issues/covid19_women_exercise_health