Exercise in Pregnancy: Psychological Benefits

1996 ◽  
Vol 2 (1) ◽  
pp. 48 ◽  
Author(s):  
Robert Kirkby ◽  
Rachael Birmingham

Research findings have indicated that involvement in exercise can be beneficial to a pregnant woman and to the child she is carrying. Despite the apparent importance of this topic, researchers have directed little attention to the behavioural consequences of exercise for pregnant women. Furthermore, most of the investigations in this area have been vulnerable to serious criticisms of design, analysis, or interpretation. Notwithstanding these criticisms, the literature suggests that involvement in exercise during pregnancy is associated with perception of reduced negative symptoms, improvements in general mood, reduced depression, and increased self-esteem. As well, studies of childbirth stress have indicated that women who exercise during pregnancy reported less effort and lowered experience of pain in the birth process. In terms of best clinical practice it was recommended that health professionals should focus on the processes of informing, educating, and encouraging women about exercise in pregnancy, screening at-risk women, and identifying appropriate activities.

2020 ◽  
Vol 48 (6) ◽  
pp. 519-525
Author(s):  
Ioannis Tsakiridis ◽  
Dimitra Rafailia Bakaloudi ◽  
Artemis Christina Oikonomidou ◽  
Themistoklis Dagklis ◽  
Michail Chourdakis

AbstractExercise during pregnancy may be beneficial provided that there are no contraindications. The aim of this study was to summarize and compare recommendations regarding exercise in pregnancy. Thus, a comparative descriptive review was conducted and included guidelines by the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, the Society of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists of Canada and the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists. All compared guidelines recommend that pregnant women without contraindications should undertake physical activities regularly, however, the type of workout performed should be adjusted based on the previous exercise experience and the physical condition of each pregnant woman. A variation among the reviewed guidelines was identified on appropriate and inappropriate activities and on indications to interrupt exercise. To summarize, the adoption of an international up-to-date consensus regarding appropriate exercise during pregnancy may be beneficial in ensuring the safety of the pregnant women while promoting their physical and mental health.


2018 ◽  
Vol 6 (4) ◽  
pp. 535
Author(s):  
Jay-Sheree Allen ◽  
Brooke Meade ◽  
Matthew R Meunier ◽  
Sarah Jenkins ◽  
Kristi Borowski ◽  
...  

Background: Exercise during pregnancy has minimal risks and has been shown to benefit most women, including reduction in cesarean section rates, appropriate maternal and fetal weight gain managing gestational diabetes as well as preventing and treating antenatal depression. There are, however, multiple factors that may influence an expectant mother’s decision to engage in physical activity, including concerns for potentially harming the baby or the pregnancy. We designed a study to determine whether or not a prior pregnancy loss or pre-term delivery would increase an expectant mother’s concern about exercise during a current pregnancy.Methods: Our prospective survey study consisted of 572 obstetric patients, 173 (30.2%) had a history of prior pregnancy loss or pre-term delivery (PPLPT) compared to 399 (69.8%) with no history of a prior pregnancy loss (NPL).Results: Logistic regression modeling was performed, including the following variables: history of abortion, miscarriage, or pregnancy loss, age, pre-pregnancy BMI, typical weekly pre-pregnancy exercise minutes, physical wellbeing and emotional wellbeing. Patients in the PPLPT group were more likely to express a fear of hurting the baby as a barrier to exercise during pregnancy, with an adjusted odds ratio of 2.358 (95% CI 1.111-3.852, p<0.001).Conclusions: Pregnant women who have experienced prior pregnancy loss or pre-term delivery were associated with a significantly higher endorsement of concern that exercise could harm their current pregnancy. This was despite their acknowledgement that exercise is considered safe and encouraged for pregnancies. An awareness of this concern will allow the clinicians who care for these patients to consider additional discussion regarding exercise in pregnancy.


2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Melanie Hayman ◽  
Kristie-Lee Alfrey ◽  
Kim Waters ◽  
Summer Cannon ◽  
Gregore Iven Mielke ◽  
...  

BACKGROUND Guidelines on physical activity/exercise during pregnancy recommend all women without contraindications engage in regular physical activity to improve both their own health and the health of their baby. Many women are uncertain how to safely engage in physical activity/exercise during this life-stage and are increasingly using mobile applications (apps) to access health-related information. However, the extent to which apps provide physical activity/exercise advice aligns with current evidence-based pregnancy recommendations is currently unclear. OBJECTIVE The aim of this study was to conduct a systematic search and content analysis of apps that promote physical activity/exercise in pregnancy to examine: (1) alignment of the content with current evidence-based recommendations; (2) delivery, format and features of physical activity/exercise instruction; and (3) credentials of app developers. METHODS Systematic searches were conducted in the Australian AppStore and GooglePlay stores in October 2020. Apps were identified using combinations of search terms relevant to pregnancy and physical activity/exercise and screened for inclusion (primary focus on physical activity/exercise during pregnancy, free to download or did not require immediate paid subscription and an average user rating of 4+ out of 5). Each app was then independently reviewed using an author-designed extraction tool. Data were exported, collated, and reported using descriptive statistics. RESULTS Twenty-seven apps were included in this review (GooglePlay: n=16 and AppStore: n=11). All were exercise-based apps that predominately recommended structured and purposeful activity. Two-thirds (n=17) provided some information relating to each of the FITT principles (frequency, intensity, time, type) of exercise; however, only three provided this information in-line with current evidence-based guidelines. Just over one-third of apps (n=10) provided information about contraindications to exercise during pregnancy and referenced the supporting evidence. No apps actively engaged in screening for potential contraindications. Only four apps collected information about the user’s current exercise behaviours, three apps allowed users to personalise features relating to their exercise preferences, and just over one-third (n=10) provided information about developer credentials. CONCLUSIONS Our findings showed that few exercise apps designed for pregnancy aligned with current evidence-based physical activity guidelines. No apps screened users for contraindications to physical activity/exercise during pregnancy and most lacked appropriate personalisation features to account for individual characteristics. Few involved qualified experts during the development of the app. As such, there is a need to improve the quality of apps that promote exercise in pregnancy, to ensure women are appropriately supported to engage in exercise, and the potential risk of injury, complications and/or adverse pregnancy outcomes for both mother and child is minimised. This could be done by providing expert guidance that aligns with current recommendations, introducing screening measures and features that enable personalisation and tailoring to individual users, or by developing a recognised system for regulating apps. CLINICALTRIAL Not required


2017 ◽  
Vol 1 (2) ◽  
pp. 75-90
Author(s):  
Apolonia Albarracín Pérez

Antecedentes: Son muchas las investigaciones que existen acerca de los beneficios de la práctica de ejercicio físico durante la gestación. Dentro de la gama de actividades, las acuáticas se erigen como una de las más recomendadas tanto por las propiedades del medio como por los efectos que conlleva tanto para la madre como para el feto. Por ello, han proliferado los estudios que relacionan estos hechos, debiendo ser la base de la puesta en práctica.Objetivos: Realizar una revisión sistemática de los estudios que abordan los beneficios, qué a nivel materno-fetal, posee la práctica de actividad física en el medio acuático durante el periodo de gestación, siendo la base para proponer un programa de ejercicio acuático para esta población.Método: Se analizaron todos los estudios que relacionan el ejercicio en el medio acuático con la mujer embarazada. Se llevó a cabo el análisis de 45artículos para realizar dicha revisión sistemática, a través de las bases de datos Medline, Scielo, etc., siempre sobre artículos originales de investigación.Resultados: La práctica de actividad física en el medio acuático durante el embarazo conlleva efectos fisiológicos y antropométricos en la madre, así como comportamentales y emocionales. Por otro lado, se destacan los efectos que sobre el feto y el parto poseen.Conclusiones: Parece que la gran parte de los estudios llevan a admitir que el ejercicio acuático durante el embarazo no posee consecuencias adversas para la madre y el feto, sino que, por el contrario, es muy recomendado, tanto para disminuir los efectos adversos del embarazo, como que éste se desarrolle lo más saludablemente posible.Palabras clave: Mujer embarazada, bondades, actividades acuáticas, inmersión, agua. Title: Benefits of aquatic activities in pregnancy: Systematic reviewAbstractBackground: There are many researches about of the benefits of practicing physical exercise during gestation. Within the range of activities, the aquatic ones are consideredas one of the most recommended by both the properties of the aquatic environment and the effects that it entails for the mother and the fetus. For this reason, there are many studies that relate these facts, and should be the basis of the implementation.Objectives: To carry out a systematic review of the studies that address the benefits of maternal physical activity on the aquatic environment during the gestation period, being the basis for proposing an aquatic exercise program for this kind of population.Method: We analyzed all studies that make a relation between exercise in the aquatic environment and pregnant woman. The analysis of 45 articles was carried out to perform this systematic review, through the Medline, Scielo databases, etc., always based on original research articles.Results: The practice of physical activity in the aquatic environment during pregnancy leads to physiological and anthropometric effects in the mother, as well as behavioural and emotional. Is remarkable the effects on the fetus and childbirth.Conclusions: It seems that a large part of the studies suggest that aquatic exercise during pregnancy has no adverse consequences for the mother and the fetus; however it is highly recommended to reduce the adverse effects of pregnancy, develop as healthy as possible.Key words: Pregnant woman, goodness, water activities, immersion, water. Titulo: Benefícios das atividades aquaticas durante a gravedez: Revisao sistemáticaResumoContexto: Existem muitas pesquisas que existem sobre os benefícios da prática do exercício físico durante a gestação. Dentro da gama de atividades, os aquáticos são erguidos como um dos mais recomendados pelas propriedades do meio ambiente e pelos efeitos que isso implica tanto para a mãe quanto para o feto. Por esse motivo, proliferaram estudos que relacionam esses fatos e devem ser a base da implementação.Objetivos: Realizar uma revisão sistemática dos estudos que abordam os benefícios da atividade física materna e do feto, no meio aquático durante o período de gestação, sendo a base para propor um programa de exercícios aquáticos para essa população.Método: Foi analizado todos os estudos que relacionam o exercício no meio aquático com a mulher grávida. A análise de 45 artigos foi realizada para realizar esta revisão sistemática, através de bancos de dados Medline, Scielo, etc., sempre em artigos de pesquisa originais.Resultados: A prática da atividade física no meio aquático durante a gravidez leva a efeitos fisiológicos e antropométricos na mãe, bem como comportamental e emocional. Por outro lado, os efeitos sobre o feto e o parto são destacados.Conclusoes: Parece que uma grande parte dos estudos sugerem que o exercício aquático durante a gravidez não tem conseqüências adversas para a mãe e o feto, pelo contrário, é altamente recomendável reduzir os efeitos adversos da gravidez, se desenvolver tão saudável quanto possível.Palavras-chave: Mulher grávida, bondade, atividades aquáticas, imersão, agua.


2021 ◽  
Vol 5 (1) ◽  
pp. 734
Author(s):  
Ririn Ariyanti ◽  
Doris Noviani ◽  
Ika Yulianti ◽  
Gusriani Gusriani

ABSTRAKSelama kehamilan pikiran dan tubuh ibu hamil mengalami berbagai perubahan. Perubahan fisik yang muncul mengakibatkan ibu mengalami beberapa keluhan nyeri pada punggung bagian belakang, badan terasa lebih lemas, dan mudah lelah. Prenatal gentle yoga dan relaksasi dapat dilakukan selama kehamilan dapat membantu meningkatkan kesejahteraan ibu. Berdasarkan wawancara dengan kader kesehatan di Wilayah  kelurahan Gunung Lingkas Tarakan ibu hamil sering mengeluhkan badan terasa pegal – pegal, nyeri punggung dan kaku, selain itu ibu hamil di wilayah ini belum pernah mengikuti senam selama hamil.  Kegiatan ini berlangsung di kelurahan Gunung Lingkas Tarakan. Latihan prenatal gentle  yoga dan relaksasi dapat mengurangi keluhan keluhan yang muncul pada kehamilan, serta dapat membantu membuat ibu lebih tenang dan rileks selama kehamilan, serta membantu mempersiapkan ibu dalam menghadapi persalinanya menjadi lebih tenang, mudah dan lancar. Kata kunci: prenatal gentle yoga; rileksasi. ABSTRACTDuring pregnancy, the mind and body of a pregnant woman undergo various changes. The physical changes that appear cause the mother to experience several complaints of pain in the back, the body feels weaker, and gets tired easily. Prenatal gentle yoga and relaxation can be done during pregnancy can help improve the well-being of the mother. Based on interviews with health cadres in the Gunung Lingkas sub-district, Tarakan, pregnant women often complain of body aches, back pain and stiffness, besides that pregnant women in this area have never participated in exercise during pregnancy. This activity took place in the village of Gunung Lingkas, Tarakan. Gentle yoga and relaxation prenatal exercises can reduce complaints that arise in pregnancy, and can help make mothers calmer and more relaxed during pregnancy, and help prepare mothers to face childbirth to be calmer, easier and smoother. Keywords: prenatal gentle yoga; relaxation 


2003 ◽  
Vol 21 (4) ◽  
pp. 369-375
Author(s):  
O. O. Bankole ◽  
O. O. Denloye ◽  
G. A. Aderinokun ◽  
C. O. Badejo R.N. Phn

The development of photo-posters to educate the Nigerian community on the perceived problems of teething was prompted by research findings which revealed that misconceptions about teething were widespread within the populace and in particular among some health professionals. Studies have shown that 58% of ethnic Yoruba rural dwellers in Nigeria attributed ailments to the teething process, while 70% of market women in Enugu State perceived diarrhea in their children was due to teething. In a recent survey, 61.4% of nurses believed diarrhea should accompany the teething process. Furthermore 82.1%, 35.8%, and 27.9% of them implicated fever, weight loss, and boils respectively as signs of teething. Photo-posters adopt the use of visual representation of a problem and the goal of using photo-posters is to begin to create an understanding in the minds of people that babies can be healthy in spite of their erupting teeth. It is believed that using pictures of real babies who are seen to be healthy when their teeth first emerge should go a long way to reducing some of the misconceived ideas. In its development, the participatory approach was adopted involving selected members of the target population, thus making it a culturally appropriate tool. This article describes the rationale behind the choice of the photo-posters and the process of developing them.


2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Norika Mitsunaga-Ohmuro ◽  
Noriyuki Ohmuro

Abstract Background This study aimed to investigate whether personal recovery indices in individuals with psychotic disorders would change through hospitalisation in a psychiatric ward and to identify factors associated with these changes. Methods Participants underwent assessments for personal recovery using the Questionnaire about the Process of Recovery, Recovery Assessment Scale, and Self-Identified Stage of Recovery Part A and B; clinical symptoms using the Positive And Negative Syndrome Scale; self-efficacy using the General Self-Efficacy Scale; and self-esteem using the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale at baseline and before hospital discharge. Wilcoxon signed-rank tests were administered for longitudinal comparisons between baseline and follow-up. Spearman’s rank correlation tests were conducted to assess correlations of longitudinal changes in personal recovery with baseline values of personal recovery as well as baseline values or changes in the Positive And Negative Syndrome Scale, General Self-Efficacy Scale, and Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale. Results Thirty-four individuals with psychotic disorders completed the assessments. The average duration of the current hospitalisation was 81.9 days (SD, 15.3; median, 85.0; range, 51–128 days). No significant changes were observed in personal recovery, self-efficacy, and self-esteem, although clinical symptoms significantly improved. Significant correlations were found between positive changes in the Recovery Assessment Scale and improvements in negative symptoms; between positive changes in the General Self-Efficacy Scale and those in personal recovery assessed with the Questionnaire about the Process of Recovery, Recovery Assessment Scale, and Self-Identified Stage of Recovery part A; and between positive changes in the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale and those in the Self-Identified Stage of Recovery part B. Conclusion This study revealed longitudinal relationships between changes in personal recovery and amelioration of negative symptoms or enhancement of self-efficacy and self-esteem through moderate length of hospitalisation in individuals with psychotic disorders. Considering the small sample size in this study, further studies with a larger sample size are needed to confirm the present finding. Trial registration The protocol of this study is registered in the UMIN Clinical Trials Registry (UMIN-CTR; ID: UMIN000035131).


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