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Perceptions of Antenatal Exercise in Pregnant Females and the Impact of COVID-19

Author

Listed:
  • Madeleine France-Ratcliffe

    (Research Institute for Sport & Exercise Sciences, Liverpool John Moores University, Tom Reilly Building, Byrom Street, Liverpool L3 3AF, UK)

  • Nicola D. Hopkins

    (Research Institute for Sport & Exercise Sciences, Liverpool John Moores University, Tom Reilly Building, Byrom Street, Liverpool L3 3AF, UK)

  • David A. Low

    (Research Institute for Sport & Exercise Sciences, Liverpool John Moores University, Tom Reilly Building, Byrom Street, Liverpool L3 3AF, UK)

  • Matthew S. Cocks

    (Research Institute for Sport & Exercise Sciences, Liverpool John Moores University, Tom Reilly Building, Byrom Street, Liverpool L3 3AF, UK)

  • Helen Jones

    (Research Institute for Sport & Exercise Sciences, Liverpool John Moores University, Tom Reilly Building, Byrom Street, Liverpool L3 3AF, UK)

  • Kayleigh S. Sheen

    (Faculty of Health, School of Psychology, Liverpool John Moores University, Tom Reilly Building, Byrom Street, Liverpool L3 3AF, UK
    These authors contributed equally to this work.)

  • Victoria S. Sprung

    (Research Institute for Sport & Exercise Sciences, Liverpool John Moores University, Tom Reilly Building, Byrom Street, Liverpool L3 3AF, UK
    These authors contributed equally to this work.)

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.

Suggested Citation

  • Madeleine France-Ratcliffe & Nicola D. Hopkins & David A. Low & Matthew S. Cocks & Helen Jones & Kayleigh S. Sheen & Victoria S. Sprung, 2022. "Perceptions of Antenatal Exercise in Pregnant Females and the Impact of COVID-19," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(17), pages 1-13, August.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:19:y:2022:i:17:p:10635-:d:898188
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Izabela Walasik & Katarzyna Kwiatkowska & Katarzyna Kosińska Kaczyńska & Iwona Szymusik, 2020. "Physical Activity Patterns among 9000 Pregnant Women in Poland: A Cross-Sectional Study," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 17(5), pages 1-12, March.
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