"We need more guidance, more encouragement and empowerment for what our bodies are capable of", pregnant and postpartum women's knowledge and experiences of receiving physical activity guidance and support on the island of Ireland: an online survey study

Abstract

Background Physical activity (PA) during pregnancy provides maternal and foetal health benefits such as improving mental wellbeing, cardiometabolic and delivery outcomes. However, little is known about pregnant and postpartum individuals’ PA knowledge or guidance and support received during maternity care on the island of Ireland. This study aimed to assess knowledge of PA guidelines and explore experiences of receiving PA guidance and support during maternity care. Methods Pregnant (≥ 8 weeks gestation, post-initial maternity appointment) or postpartum (birthed and received maternity care within three years previous) adults who received antenatal care on the island of Ireland completed an online survey. Descriptive analysis and frequencies were performed with the principles of thematic analysis applied to the concluding open-text question. Results Of the 430 women surveyed only 7% (n = 30) correctly stated the PA guidelines for pregnancy and postpartum. 28% (n = 120) received PA advice from a healthcare practitioner (HCP) during maternity care. Overall, few felt timely (24%, n = 103) or clear and easy to follow (25%, n = 107) advice was received. 22% (n = 96) felt confident in the advice received and only 17% (n = 74) felt supported to engage in PA. Two themes and seven subthemes relating to women’s experiences of PA guidance and support during pregnancy and future needs were generated. Using study findings, five actionable steps were created. Conclusions 93% of women surveyed could not accurately state the PA guidelines for pregnancy and postpartum. Largely, maternity care delivered on the island of Ireland does not include PA guidance or support. Recommendations are proposed to improve PA guidance and support provided during pregnancy and following childbirth on the island of Ireland.