PERCEPTIONS OF PHYSICAL ACTIVITY DURING PREGNANCY AMONG WOMEN IN SINGAPORE: A DESCRIPTIVE QUALITATIVE STUDY

Abstract

Background: Regular physical activity (PA) has numerous health benefits for both mother and baby that may extend beyond the perinatal period. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (ACOG) and the Perinatal Society of Singapore (PSS) recommended healthy pregnant women to have at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity PA weekly throughout pregnancy. Studies have also shown that the benefits of PA during pregnancy include preventing excessive gestational weight gain, reducing the risk of developing preeclampsia, and gestational diabetes mellitus. Despite the well-established health benefits and recommendations, recent studies have highlighted that most pregnant women often have low levels of PA, and the activity reduces further in the later stages of pregnancy. This prompted the need to understand women’s experiences and concerns behind PA during pregnancy. Aim: The study aimed to explore women’s perceptions of physical activity during pregnancy. Methods: Twenty-two women were recruited through purposive sampling from the induction and postnatal wards in Singapore's largest women and children tertiary hospital. Data was collected through a one-time face-to-face individual interview using a semi-structured interview guide. All interviews were audiotaped and transcribed verbatim. Thematic analysis was conducted to identify the main themes associated with women's perceptions and experiences of PA during pregnancy. Results: Two themes, including eight subthemes, were generated. The themes are: “From what I know” of physical activity to actual physical activity; and, “What keeps and stops me from moving”. Conclusion: Findings from this study offered insights into women’s perceptions, experiences, barriers, and facilitators to PA during pregnancy. The knowledge gained can help healthcare professionals to tailor interventions that are effective in promoting and encouraging pregnant women to be physically active. Hence, enhancing their overall health and wellbeing.