Antenatal physical activity: a qualitative study exploring women’s experiences and the acceptability of antenatal walking groups

Abstract

BackgroundRegular physical activity (PA) can be beneficial to pregnant women, however, many women do not adhere to current PA guidelines during the antenatal period. Patient and public involvement is essential when designing antenatal PA interventions in order to uncover the reasons for non-adherence and non-engagement with the behaviour, as well as determining what type of intervention would be acceptable. The aim of this research was to explore women’s experiences of PA during a recent pregnancy, understand the barriers and determinants of antenatal PA and explore the acceptability of antenatal walking groups for further development.MethodsSeven focus groups were undertaken with women who had given birth within the past five years. Focus groups were transcribed and analysed using a grounded theory approach. Relevant and related behaviour change techniques (BCTs), which could be applied to future interventions, were identified using the BCT taxonomy.ResultsWomen’s opinions and experiences of PA during pregnancy were categorised into biological/physical (including tiredness and morning sickness), psychological (fear of harm to baby and self-confidence) and social/environmental issues (including access to facilities). Although antenatal walking groups did not appear popular, women identified some factors which could encourage attendance (e.g. childcare provision) and some which could discourage attendance (e.g. walking being boring). It was clear that the personality of the walk leader would be extremely important in encouraging women to join a walking group and keep attending. Behaviour change technique categories identified as potential intervention components included social support and comparison of outcomes (e.g. considering pros and cons of behaviour).ConclusionsWomen’s experiences and views provided a range of considerations for future intervention development, including provision of childcare, involvement of a fun and engaging leader and a range of activities rather than just walking. These experiences and views relate closely to the Health Action Process Model which, along with BCTs, could be used to develop future interventions. The findings of this study emphasise the importance of involving the target population in intervention development and present the theoretical foundation for building an antenatal PA intervention to encourage women to be physically active throughout their pregnancies.

Exploring womens’ experiences and decision making about physical activity during pregnancy and following birth: a qualitative study

“…Likewise, the UK Chief Medical Officers produced guidelines for PA in pregnancy [30]. Despite this, most participants perceived a lack of guidance from healthcare professionals, which is consistent with findings from other studies [21,22,27,[31][32][33][34]. In addition, when participants did receive advice from healthcare professionals, or sports trainers, they often felt like this advice was contradictory and overly cautious.…”

Factors influencing travel mode choice among families with young children (aged 0–4): a review of the literature

“…Preliminary framework of factors influencing mode choice when travelling with young children. (Pooley et al, 2014); 12 (Rubin et al, 2014); 13 (Dowling, 2015); 14 (Thomas, 2016); 15 (Dowling, 2000); 16 (Sattlegger & Rau, 2016); 17 (Price & Matthews, 2013); 18 (Lanzendorf, 2010); 19 (Currie, Gray, Shepherd, & McInnes, 2016); 20 (Bean, Kearns, & Collins, 2008); 21 (McDonald, 2006); 22 (Wheatley, 2014); 23 (McQuaid & Chen, 2012); 24 (Scheiner, 2014); 25 (Rothman et al, 2016); 26 (Birken et al, 2015); 27 (Taubman-Ben-Ari & Noy, 2011); 28 (Zwerts, Janssens, & Wets, 2008). Symbols: −, negative impact on mode; +, positive impact on mode; −/+, neutral impact on mode; ?, unknown.…”

Exploring the need for interventions to manage weight and stress during interconception

“…The interconception period represents a window of opportunity to help women improve their health, thus reducing the risk of adverse outcomes related to excess weight or stress in subsequent pregnancies (Athukorala et al, 2010; DiPietro, 2004; O’Donnell et al, 2009; Thomas et al, 2014). The interconception period begins immediately following childbirth and ends with a subsequent conception (Currie et al, 2016; Huberty et al, 2013). The post-partum period, typically considered the first 6–12 months following childbirth (Antheunis et al, 2013; Lagan et al, 2010) is included in the interconception period.…”

“…Other studies have found that the ability to cope well with stress may play a larger role in weight management efforts than simply the presence or lack of stress itself (Gormally & Rardin, 1981; Grilo et al, 1989; Westenhoefer et al, 2004), which would then seem to warrant inclusion of stress management education and strategies in a weight loss program; however, this has not been investigated in an interconception population. Similarly, while mind–body approaches seem especially well suited to address the interrelated nature of weight and stress management, studies of these techniques have not been implemented in interconception populations, despite evidence suggesting they would likely be effective and well received by the target audience (Currie et al, 2016). …”