Uncovering Barriers to Prenatal Physical Activity and Exercise Among South African Pregnant Women: A Cross-Sectional, Mixed-Method Analysis

Abstract

BackgroundThe barriers to prenatal physical activity and exercise have been widely reported in the literature, highlighting context-specific challenges. However, generally, research on prenatal physical activity and exercise among pregnant women in South Africa is rare; and particularly concerning the barriers to their prenatal physical activity practice. This study assessed the barriers to physical activity participation among pregnant women in the Eastern Cape, South Africa.MethodsThis was a sequential explanatory mixed method, predominantly quantitative study involving 1,082 pregnant women. A structured self-administered questionnaire on perceived barriers to physical participation was applied to collect quantitative data; while a subset of 15 pregnant women participated in individual in-depth semi-structured interviews to augment quantitative data. Quantitative and qualitative data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and thematic analysis, respectively.ResultsThe results of the quantitative analysis presented major barriers: lack of advice on prenatal physical activity and inadequate or conflicting information about prenatal physical activity; tiredness; work commitments; discomfort; lack of time; low energy; non-accessibility to physical activity; lack of financial resources, and safety concerns for the mother and the baby. Qualitatively, the barriers identified relate to four main themes: individual, lack of information, lack of resources, and environmental barriers.ConclusionThe major barriers cited by the women were tiredness, lack of time, discomfort, and low energy. They also include lack of support, advice and information about prenatal physical activity. The multiple constraining factors responsible for low or non-prenatal physical activity of pregnant women in this setting highlight the need to tailor interventions to address their individual uniquely perceived barriers.

Factors influencing physical inactivity status among Chinese pregnant women: a cross-sectional study

“…Of note is a prospective study from Spain that found that nearly half of 1,175 pregnant women engaged in su cient PA before pregnancy but did not maintain their PA level during pregnancy [9]. This may be attributed to physical discomfort during pregnancy, in particular nausea and vomiting [40], which is consistent with our ndings, in addition to low back pain, fatigue, fear of injury, and uncertainty about the safety of exercising during pregnancy [41].…”

The Physical Activity Prevalence and Contributing Factors among Women Receiving Antenatal Care in Low-Income Communities in Lusaka, Zambia

“…However, in this study, the lack of exercise programmes and affordable, safe environments for some participants was said to have resulted in a decrease in physical activity. Similarly, in South Africa, the results of Okafor and Goon [24] showed that the lack of physical activity facilities, including recreational facilities, and the fear of being mugged by some criminals on the street had a negative impact on the physical activity of pregnant women.…”

The impact of exercise on pregnancy: a comprehensive examination of benefits, risks, and considerations

“…The initiation of an exercise program during pregnancy may present distinct problems for pregnant women who were sedentary or had low levels of physical activity before to conception. 10 Pregnant women who have been sedentary or previously inactive are advised to initiate their exercise routine with low-intensity activities, such as walking or prenatal yoga, and subsequently augment the time and intensity of these activities as they are able to endure. 24 In order to facilitate appropriate adaptation and mitigate the likelihood of musculoskeletal injuries, it may be imperative to implement a more gradual progression and extend duration of warm-up and cool-down periods.…”

“…9 Furthermore, pregnant women may face a range of obstacles when it comes to engaging in physical activity, such as insufficient energy levels, limited time availability, inadequate access to appropriate facilities, or apprehensions regarding the potential effects on the pregnancy. 10 In addressing these issues and promoting the safe and successful engagement of pregnant mothers in physical activity, healthcare providers assume a pivotal role. 11 Given the considerable potential advantages and the necessity to traverse the intricate array of considerations, it is imperative to cultivate a full comprehension of the role of physical activity during pregnancy.…”