Why do so many pregnant women give up exercise? An Italian cross-sectional study

Abstract

Objective: Current exercise guidelines recommend women to exercise throughout pregnancy, and the benefits are well documented. Still, there is an increasing decline of exercise levels during pregnancy and a high percentage of them are sedentary. It is well established that individual attitudes and perception of barriers may influence the ability to engage in sufficient amount of exercise. This has, however, not been examined in an Italian pregnant population. Hence, the aims of the present study were to increase knowledge of facilitators and barriers to regular exercise in Italian pregnant women and to report their social support in regard to maternal exercise. Methods: Healthy, pregnant women (n = 513) were allocated from Fatebenefratelli San Giovanni Calibita, a public hospital in Rome, and four antenatal clinics in Rome and Modena. The participants completed a validated self-administrated questionnaire, the Physical Activity Pregnancy Questionnaire, in gestational week 36. In line with current American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists guidelines (2020), participants were categorized as “regular exercisers” (⩾150 min/week) and “not regular exercisers” (< 150 min/week). Results: Only 4.6% of the women engaged in regular physical activity/exercise in the third trimester. “Insufficient time” (54%) were the only barrier negatively associated with exercise. The facilitators “relaxation/recreation” (18%), “prevention of health complaints” (15%), “enjoyment” (10%), and “prevention of gestational weight gain” (4%) were associated with achieving the recommendations of exercise. This study found no association between achieving the recommendations and childhood exercise/having social modeling, or exercising network/milieu (p = 0.294 and p = 0.123). Nevertheless, exercising together with others was a significant predictor for regular maternal exercise (p < 0.001). Most women did not receive any advice on exercise during pregnancy from their doctor or midwife (60.0 %). Yet, those who received such advice were significantly more likely to exercise regularly compared to those who did not (75.0% vs 38.2%; p < 0.001). Conclusion: Italian pregnant women mainly reported internal facilitators for their willingness to participate in regular maternal exercise, while barriers were primarily related to inconveniences (such as insufficient time and difficulty combining with work/studies). The study addresses the positive association between achieving the recommended amount of exercise and social support in terms of exercising with others and getting advice from health professions. Because women respect their doctor and have regular prenatal checkups, this health care setting can play a pivotal role in the initiation and maintenance of exercise behavior during pregnancy.

Maternal Health Considerations: Highlighting and advancing opportunities for improved maternal health

“…Aligned with the exercise theme was research from a team in Norway investigating an Italian sample of pregnant women and their engagement in regular physical activity and exercise during the antenatal period. 28 The objective of this study was to investigate the facilitators and barriers to regular exercise among Italian pregnant women and to assess their social support regarding maternal exercise. Conducted with 513 healthy pregnant women in their third trimester, the study utilised a self-administered questionnaire regarding regular exercisers (⩾150 min/week) or not regular exercisers (<150 min/week).…”

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

“…4 Nevertheless, despite the extensively recognized advantages, numerous pregnant women encounter difficulties in adhering to the prescribed exercise requirements during this transforming phase. 5 Extensive and well-researched are the possible benefits of exercise during pregnancy. Engaging in physical activity can assist pregnant women in effectively managing DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.18203/2320-1770.ijrcog20241465…”

Prevalence of Chinese pregnant women meeting physical activity recommendation and its influencing factors: a protocol for systematic review and meta-analysis

“…Studies reported that 12.7%–45.0% of pregnant women in the USA meet the 2015 American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists PA guidelines, and the difference in rates depends on different division criteria 17. In Italy, a study showed that only 4.6% of pregnant women participated in regular PA in the third trimester 18. In Norway, the proportion of pregnant women who take part in exercise was 59%, and 85% in Canada; however, only about 15%–28% of pregnant women follow the recommendations of the guidelines to take exercise 19.…”