A systimatic review of the literature exploring experiences and perceptions of pregnant women regarding physical activity

Abstract

Background: Physical activity during pregnancy has been widely acknowledged for its significant benefits to maternal health and fetal development. However, the engagement of pregnant women in physical exercise remains a complex issue, influenced by a myriad of factors ranging from personal beliefs to medical advice. Understanding the experiences and perceptions of pregnant women towards physical activity is crucial for developing interventions that are not only effective but also resonate with their needs and preferences. This systematic review aims to shed light on these perspectives by exploring the multifaceted relationship pregnant women have with exercise. By examining their personal viewpoints, experiences, and the challenges they encounter, this review seeks to provide valuable insights that can guide clinicians and healthcare providers in crafting more targeted and supportive physical activity programs for pregnant women. The ultimate goal is to enhance the well being of both mothers and their unborn children through informed and accessible exercise interventions. Objectives The aim of the review was to ascertain the most reliable evidence available to explore the experiences and perceptions of pregnant women regarding physical activity during pregnancy. This review sought to understand the perspectives of pregnant women towards engaging in physical exercise, focusing on their personal viewpoints and how these activities are integrated into their daily lives during pregnancy. Additionally, it aimed to investigate the specific challenges pregnant women face in participating in physical activity and to uncover any recurring themes arising from their experiences. By examining these aspects, the review intends to provide insights that could assist clinicians and healthcare practitioners in devising more personalized and effective physical activity interventions tailored to the needs of pregnant women. Inclusion criteria: The review focused on pregnant women from diverse backgrounds and at different stages of their trimesters, who had engaged in physical activity during their pregnancy. It concentrated on those participating in both structured exercise programs and informal physical activities. A comprehensive database search was initiated following the formulation of a search strategy, with a preference for studies that were qualitative in nature. A total of 671articles were retrieved, and 6 of these studies were considered appropriate for the critical appraisal process. Utilizing the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) guidelines, two reviewers employed a specially developed appraisal tool suitable for qualitative studies. Six studies were ultimately deemed suitable for final inclusion and data extraction. The data extraction was primarily undertaken by one reviewer, utilizing the JBI QARI Data Extraction Form for Interpretive & Critical Research, with a consensus reached on the findings. Meta aggregation was employed for data synthesis, creating categories based on similarities in the themes that emerged from the data. Results This systematic review synthesized qualitative studies to understand pregnant women's experiences and perceptions of physical activity, revealing significant insights across variousdimensions. Pregnant women from five countries reported a crucial need for clear, consistent guidance from healthcare professionals on safe exercise practices, often facing misinformation and inconsistency in advice that affected their engagement in physical activity. Psychological and social influences, including fear of harm to the fetus and cultural norms around rest, significantly impacted their physical activity levels. Barriers to exercise were multifaceted, encompassing both intrinsic fears related to pregnancy outcomes and extrinsic factors like time constraints and physical discomforts. Accessibility to suitable exercise facilities and motivation from social support circles were identified as key enablers, whereas safety concerns, particularly in shared facilities during the COVID-19 pandemic, posed additional challenges. Across the studies, the meta-aggregation synthesis created categories based on similarities, emphasizing the diverse yet common experiences that shape pregnant women's attitudes and behaviors towards physical activity, underscoring the importance of addressing these factors to promote healthier pregnancy outcomes