Exploring pregnant women's views of physical activity in pregnancy

• Research type

  Research Study

• Full title

  A qualitative study to explore how pregnant women view undertaking physical activity in pregnancy.

• IRAS ID

  255099

• Contact name

  Paul D Bennett

• Contact email

  p.d.bennett@swansea.ac.uk

• Sponsor organisation

  Swansea University

• Duration of Study in the UK

  0 years, 11 months, 31 days

• Research summary

  This research proposal is concerned with exploring pregnant women’s views about physical activity in pregnancy. Staying active during pregnancy enhances the well-being of both mum and the developing baby. The government has recommended the frequency and duration of physical activity in pregnancy. Women with uncomplicated pregnancies are recommended to undertake 30 minutes of daily moderate intensity physical activity. However, published studies suggest that women do not usually follow these guidelines. The reasons for this are poorly understood but may vary between different women and at different times during their pregnancy

  Pregnant women with uncomplicated pregnancies will be interviewed individually to talk about their views regarding undertaking physical activity during their pregnancy. Each woman will be interviewed once and in total 20 women will be interviewed towards the end of their pregnancy. There will be an equal mix of women having their first baby and those who already have a child or children.

  The interviews will explore:
  1. The woman's understanding of what physical activity is to her and how it makes her feel.
  2. The woman’s understanding and views on the national guidelines, which will be explained.
  3. Factors that can help or hinder undertaking physical activity.
  4. If different stages of pregnancy can affect the uptake of physical activity
  5. Some of the motivatoring factors to undertake physical activity
  6. Some of the influences that can move motivation into action
  7. Current activity levels, any sports or activities undertaken and daily routines

  These interviews will enhance what is understood about women's views of physical activity in pregnancy. The study has to potential to suggest further work that might encourage the uptake of more physical activity at this important time.

• REC name

  North of Scotland Research Ethics Committee 2

• REC reference

  20/NS/0015

• Date of REC Opinion

  4 Feb 2020

• REC opinion

  Favourable Opinion