Physical activity and exercise during pregnancy in Africa: a review of the literature

Abstract

Background Pregnancy is an important phase in a woman’s life, with health status at this stage affecting both the woman and her child’s life. Global evidence suggests that many women engage in low levels of physical activity (PA) and exercise during pregnancy despite its beneficial effects. This is particularly the case in Africa. Methods This article reviews the literature on levels of PA and exercise among pregnant women in Africa, highlighting the level of PA or exercise participation during pregnancy in Africa, including types of PA, factors affecting PA, beliefs about and benefits of prenatal activity, advice or counselling on PA during pregnancy in Africa, and PA interventions proposed to promote the uptake of prenatal PA. Electronic search databases used were Google Scholar, Science Direct, Scopus, EMBASE, ERIC, Medline, Web of Science, EBSCOhost, PubMed, BIOMED Central, and African Journal Online. The basic search terms were: ‘Physical activity’, ‘Exercise’, ‘Pregnancy’, ‘Pregnant women’ and ‘Africa’. A total of 40 references were found. On the basis of an analysis of titles, abstracts and the language of publication (other than English), 11 articles were rejected, and 29 articles were fully read, although two had to be rejected due to a lack of access to the full version. Finally, 27 references were included in the review. Results Few studies exist on PA during pregnancy in Africa. The limited data available suggests that, compared to the Western world, pregnant women in Africa do not adhere to the recommendations for PA during pregnancy. Levels of participation in PA during pregnancy are low and decline as the pregnancy progresses. The majority of the studies used direct, objective measures to assess PA during pregnancy. Personal and environmental factors such as lack of time, lack of knowledge, inadequate information from healthcare providers, feelings of tiredness and an absence of social support constituted the main barriers to PA during pregnancy. The types of PA participation among pregnant women varied across studies and geographical settings. Conclusions While published data is limited, it seems clear that the participation of pregnant women in PA during pregnancy in Africa is low and declines with advancing pregnancy. There is a need for more studies to examine the dynamics of PA during pregnancy in Africa to guide contextual interventions to improve and promote maternal health on the continent.

Factors associated with antenatal exercise in Arba Minch town, Southern Ethiopia: A community-based cross-sectional study

“…In Indian, 35.2% [12], in Campinas Brazil, 29% [13], in Colombo Sri Lanka, 13.6% [14], in Pakistan, 20% [15], 27.2% in Serbia [17], and in Gondar town, Northern Ethiopia, 37.9% [16] of the study participants practiced antenatal exercise. The participation of pregnant women in physical activity during pregnancy in Africa is also low [18]. To guide contextual interventions, examining the physical activity during pregnancy is recommended [18].…”

“…The participation of pregnant women in physical activity during pregnancy in Africa is also low [18]. To guide contextual interventions, examining the physical activity during pregnancy is recommended [18]. However, the status of antenatal exercise practice in Southern Ethiopia has not been assessed yet.…”

Factors associated with the level of physical activity in a multi-ethnic pregnant population – a cross-sectional study at the time of diagnosis with gestational diabetes

“…The few studies that encompass a multi-ethnic population show lower levels of physical activity among ethnic minority groups. A review of the literature on levels of physical activity and exercise among pregnant women in Africa found that the participation of pregnant women in physical activity was low and declined in step with advancing pregnancy [ 17 ]. The level of physical activity was also found to be low in pregnant women in China [ 18 ] and Taiwan [ 19 ].…”

Can we hit prenatal depression and anxiety through HIIT? The effectiveness of online high intensity interval training on depressive symptoms, fear of childbirth, fear of coronavirus, and perception of quality of life in pregnant women during COVID-19 pandemic – a randomized controlled trial

“…Research over the past 30 years has shown that regular physical activity during pregnancy has a positive effect on the physical and psychological condition of the pregnant woman, on pregnancy and on fetal development [6][7][8][9][10] . Among mental bene ts are reducing stress, anxiety, and depression as well as wellbeing improvement.…”