Experiences of Physical Activity, Healthy Eating and Quality of Life During and Following Pregnancy in Overweight and Obese Postpartum Women

Abstract

Objectives This retrospective study explored the experiences of women with overweight or obesity regarding physical activity, diet and quality of life leading up to, during, and following pregnancy. Methods A qualitative descriptive design was adopted, whereby data collected through semi-structured interviews were analysed using thematic analysis. Throughout the interviews, individuals were asked to describe their barriers to a healthy lifestyle during and following pregnancy. Results Ten women (34.5 ± 5.2 years old, BMI 30.4 ± 3.5 kg·m− 2) who were between 12 and 52 weeks postpartum participated. A range of themes were identified when discussing barriers to physical activity and healthy eating during and following pregnancy. For example, tiredness, especially in the third trimester of pregnancy, and a lack of support at home, was often cited as preventing engagement in exercise and healthy eating practices. A lack of convenience when attending exercise classes, medical complications following the birth and the cost of attending pregnancy-specific classes were identified as barriers to exercise engagement. Cravings and nausea were identified as barriers to healthy eating during pregnancy. Quality of life was positively associated with exercise and healthy eating, whilst a lack of sleep, loneliness and a loss of freedom since the baby had arrived negatively influenced quality of life. Discussion Postpartum women with overweight and obesity experience many barriers when attempting to engage in a healthy lifestyle during and following pregnancy. These findings can be used to inform the design and delivery of future lifestyle interventions in this population.

Factors influencing participation and regular attendance in a program combining physical activity and nutritional advice for overweight and obese pregnant women

“…Women with lower socio-economic status or who belong to ethnic minorities may consider health less of a priority [ 37 ]. Moreover, in challenging socio-economic contexts, a lack of time and support from their partners, which are widely recognized as significant barriers to PA [ 38 – 40 ], may also be an issue. These women may not be able to attend three nutrition classes and 12 exercise classes due to a busy and inflexible work schedule.…”

“…As discussed in the meta-review, pregnancy, which already implies many changes and difficulties, may not, in fact, be the best period to initiate a behavioral change, but may be better suited to consolidating previous changes of habits. Alternatively, such interventions could be better received and more consistently followed if proposed earlier in pregnancy [ 35 , 42 ], especially as tiredness in the third trimester of pregnancy prevents engagement in PA [ 40 ].…”