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 and Sprung, Victoria S ORCID: 0000-0002-2666-4986 (2022) Perceptions of Antenatal Exercise in Pregnant Females and the Impact of COVID-19. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH, 19 (17). 10635-.

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Official URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.3390/ijerph191710635

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 (<i>n</i> = 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.

Item Type:	Article
Uncontrolled Keywords:	COVID-19, exercise, interviews, physical activity, pregnancy
Divisions:	Faculty of Health and Life Sciences Faculty of Health and Life Sciences > Institute of Life Courses and Medical Sciences
Depositing User:	Symplectic Admin
Date Deposited:	03 Feb 2023 10:29
Last Modified:	03 Feb 2023 10:29
DOI:	10.3390/ijerph191710635
Open Access URL:	https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph191710635
Related URLs:	Author Publisher
URI:	https://livrepository.liverpool.ac.uk/id/eprint/3168138