We found a match
Your institution may have rights to this item. Sign in to continue.
- Title
Pregnant and Postpartum Women's Perceptions of Barriers to and Enablers of Physical Activity During Pregnancy: A Qualitative Systematic Review.
- Authors
McKeough, Regan; Blanchard, Christopher; Piccinini‐Vallis, Helena
- Abstract
Introduction: Physical activity throughout pregnancy has been shown to have health benefits for the pregnant person, including reductions in the risk of preeclampsia and gestational weight gain and improvements in blood pressure regulation. Despite the benefits, many pregnant women do not meet the guidelines for physical activity throughout pregnancy. Therefore, it is important to determine what influences women's activity levels during pregnancy. This systematic review of the qualitative literature aimed to determine pregnant and postpartum women's perceptions of barriers to and enablers of physical activity, specifically during pregnancy. Methods: MEDLINE, PsycINFO, CINAHL, and Embase were searched systematically to identify qualitative studies investigating pregnant or postpartum women's perceptions of barriers to and enablers of physical activity during pregnancy. Included studies were limited to populations of pregnant or postpartum women, the majority of whom were aged 18 to 40 years, and studies published from 1985 onward. Data quality was assessed using the Critical Appraisal Skills Programme Qualitative Studies Checklist. Data were extracted using NVivo software and subsequently mapped on the COM‐B framework. Results: Twenty‐five qualitative studies were included in this systematic review. Sixteen themes were identified that mapped onto 6 components of the COM‐B framework. Commonly reported barriers to physical activity during pregnancy included pregnancy symptoms, lack of knowledge of what constitutes safe activity, and the opinions of women's social circles. Commonly reported enablers of physical activity during pregnancy were social support and the experienced benefits, including physiologic, psychological, and social benefits. Discussion: The results of this systematic review have clinical implications for perinatal care providers, as the overall benefits of physical activity during pregnancy have been well documented in previous studies. The authors recommend clinicians aim to explore pregnant women's perspectives on physical activity during pregnancy in order to be able to address their perceived barriers to and enablers of physical activity during pregnancy.
- Subjects
UNITED States; UNITED Kingdom; PSYCHOLOGY information storage &; retrieval systems; CINAHL database; SAFETY; SOCIAL support; HEALTH services accessibility; MEDICAL information storage &; retrieval systems; SYSTEMATIC reviews; PERSONAL space; SOCIAL networks; MOTIVATION (Psychology); PREGNANT women; WOMEN; PHYSICAL activity; PATIENTS' attitudes; HEALTH literacy; SELF-efficacy; PUERPERIUM; PREGNANCY complications; RESEARCH funding; MEDLINE; DATA analysis software; ATTITUDES toward pregnancy
- Publication
Journal of Midwifery & Women's Health, 2022, Vol 67, Issue 4, p448
- ISSN
1526-9523
- Publication type
Article
- DOI
10.1111/jmwh.13375