scholarly journals Physical activity in pregnancy: a qualitative study of the beliefs of overweight and obese pregnant women

2010 ◽  
Vol 10 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Zoe Weir ◽  
Judith Bush ◽  
Stephen C Robson ◽  
Catherine McParlin ◽  
Judith Rankin ◽  
...  
2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jane Li ◽  
David Silvera-Tawil ◽  
Marlien Varnfield ◽  
M Sazzad Hussain ◽  
Vanitha Math

BACKGROUND Mobile Health (mHealth) technologies, such as wearable devices and mobile applications have become popular for lifestyle and healthcare support. They have the potential to be beneficial for pregnancy monitoring, in the form of health and well-being tools to facilitate the tracking of health status changes, risks and complications of pregnant women. However, research on understanding clinicians’ and pregnant women’s interests, preferences and requirements for mHealth solutions tailored to pregnancy care is limited. OBJECTIVE This qualitative study aimed to understand clinicians’ and pregnant women’s perceptions on the potential use of mHealth to support the monitoring of health and well-being during pregnancy. METHODS Semi-structured interviews were conducted with four pregnant women, four postnatal women, and thirteen clinicians working in perinatal care. RESULTS Clinicians perceived the potential benefit of mHealth in supporting different levels of health and wellbeing monitoring, risk assessment and care provision in pregnancy care. The majority of women participants were open to the use of wearables and health monitoring devices and were more likely to use these technologies if they knew that clinicians can monitor the data. While some pregnancy-related medical conditions can be suitable for an mHealth model of remote monitoring, there are clinical and technical challenges for introducing mHealth in pregnancy care. Incorporating appropriate health and well-being measures, intelligent detection of abnormalities and tailored information for pregnant women were considered critical. Usability and data privacy were among the concerns of participants. The challenges of getting pregnant women engaged in longitudinal mHealth monitoring, the extra work required for clinicians in monitoring data, and the need for an evidence-based technical solution were highlighted. CONCLUSIONS mHealth technologies, such as wearable sensors, smart health devices and mobile applications capable of supporting the pregnancy journey are emerging. Clinical, technical and practical factors associated with the use of mHealth technologies to monitor health and well-being, as well as strategies for motivating pregnant women and clinicians’ in the use of the technologies need to be carefully considered before the introduction of mHealth pregnancy care routine and practices.


2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Jenny Ingram ◽  
Debbie Johnson ◽  
Heather A. O’Mahen ◽  
Roslyn Law ◽  
Iryna Culpin ◽  
...  

Abstract Background Treating depression early in pregnancy can improve health outcomes for women and their children. Current low-intensity psychological therapy for perinatal depression is a supported self-help approach informed by cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) principles. Interpersonal counselling (IPC) may be a more appropriate low-intensity talking therapy for addressing the problems experienced by pregnant women with depression. A randomised feasibility trial (ADAGIO) has compared the acceptability of offering IPC for mild-moderate antenatal depression in routine NHS services compared to low-intensity CBT. This paper reports on a nested qualitative study which explored women’s views and expectations of therapy, experiences of receiving IPC, and Psychological Wellbeing Practitioners (PWPs - junior mental health workers) views of delivering the low-intensity therapy. Methods A qualitative study design using in-depth semi-structured interviews and focus groups. Thirty-two pregnant women received talking therapy within the ADAGIO trial; 19 contributed to the interview study from July 2019 to January 2020; 12 who had IPC and seven who had CBT. All six PWPs trained in IPC took part in a focus group or interview. Interviews and focus groups were recorded, transcribed, anonymised, and analysed using thematic methods. Results Pregnant women welcomed being asked about their mental health in pregnancy and having the chance to have support in accessing therapy. The IPC approach helped women to identify triggers for depression and explored relationships using strategies such as ‘promoting self-awareness through mood timelines’, ‘identifying their circles of support’, ‘developing communication skills and reciprocity in relationships’, and ‘asking for help’. PWPs compared how IPC differed from their prior experiences of delivering low-intensity CBT. They reported that IPC included a useful additional emotional component which was relevant to the perinatal period. Conclusions Identifying and treating depression in pregnancy is important for the future health of both mother and child. Low-intensity perinatal-specific talking therapies delivered by psychological wellbeing practitioners in routine NHS primary care services in England are acceptable to pregnant women with mild-moderate depression. The strategies used in IPC to manage depression, including identifying triggers for low mood, and communicating the need for help, may be particularly appropriate for the perinatal period. Trial registration ISRCTN 11513120. 02/05/2019.


2015 ◽  
Vol 13 (3) ◽  
pp. 66-71 ◽  
Author(s):  
Todd Hagobian ◽  
Alyssa D’Amico ◽  
Camille Vranna ◽  
Anna Brannen ◽  
Suzanne Phelan

Background and Purpose: Prenatal changes in energy intake (EI), physical activity (PA), and resting energy expenditure (REE) are important determinants of future health and obesity outcomes. This study examined changes in EI, PA and REE in 16 adult, pregnant women (75% Normal-weight, 15% overweight/obese) early in pregnancy (


2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Louise Venø ◽  
Dorte Jarbøl ◽  
Line Pedersen ◽  
Jens Søndergaard ◽  
Ruth Ertmann

Abstract Objective To explore general practitioners’ (GPs’) perceived indicators of vulnerability among pregnant women in primary care. Design A qualitative study with semi-structured in-depth focus group interviews. Setting General practices located in a mixture of urban, semi-urban and rural practices throughout the Region of Southern Denmark Subjects Twenty GPs between 32 and 56 years of age. Main outcome measures Through qualitative analysis and systematic text condensation of the interview data, the following themes emerged: (1) obvious indicators of vulnerability - i.e. somatic or psychological illnesses, or complex social problems and 2) intangible indicators of vulnerability – i.e. identification depended on the GPs’ gut-feeling. From the GPs’ perspective, the concept of vulnerability in pregnancy were perceived as the net result of risk factors and available individual and social resources, with a psychosocial etiology was the dominant framework. Conclusions The GPs demonstrated a broad variety of perceived indicators of vulnerability in pregnancy; most importantly, the GPs were aware of a group of pregnant women with intangible vulnerability. Despite not fitting into the GPs perceived concept of vulnerability, the GPs had a gut feeling that these women might be vulnerable. Misjudging the resources of pregnant women due to their physical appearance could delay the GPs’ identification of vulnerability. Future studies should explore the challenges GPs experiences when assessing vulnerability among pregnant women.


2018 ◽  
Vol 1 (1) ◽  
pp. 12-19
Author(s):  
Megawati Sinambela ◽  
Nur Mala Sari

Hypertension is a state of elevated blood pressure that can lead to various complications, such as stroke, and kidney failure. Hypertension in pregnancy is a blood pressure higher than 140/90 mmHg that caused by pregnancy itself, and it has the potential to cause serious disruption in pregnancy.This study aims to determine the factors that affect hypertension in pregnancy in the Working Area of Public Center Of Pancur Batu, Pancur Batu Sub-District, Deli Serdang District In 2018, with type of quantitative research, analytie case control design. The population in this study is the total number of pregnant women who experience hypertension consisting of case and control group of 72 people. Sampling technique used Total Sampling. Data was collected by interview by using questionnaire. Data analysis was done by bivariate with Chi-Square test at 95% confidence level, α=5%.The result showed that there was influence between age (p=0,016), parity (p=0,028), obesity (p=0,018), descent (p=0,000), physical activity (p=0,000), excessive food comsumption (p=0,001), stress (p=0,031) on hypertension in pregnancy. Multivariate analysis results that the risk level of hypertension in pregnancy is affected by heredity, physical activity and excessive food consumption of 99,5%.For Pancur batu Community Health Center, Pancur Batu Subdistrict, Deli Serdang Regency, to make policy in order to give information about hypertension problem in pregnancy, danger, and how to overcome hypertension in pregnant women.


2021 ◽  
Vol 7 (2) ◽  
pp. e000967
Author(s):  
Ryan Lee ◽  
Serene Thain ◽  
Lay Kok Tan ◽  
Terry Teo ◽  
Kok Hian Tan

Physical activity and exercise in pregnancy are generally beneficial and enhance the physical and mental health of women. These benefits also prevent excessive weight gain and reduce risks of obesity in pregnancy, such as gestational diabetes, hypertensive disorders, higher rates of caesarean delivery, macrosomia and stillbirth. Thus, there is a need to optimise perinatal exercise and physical activity globally. There is currently no consensus recommendation on the role of physical activity and exercise in pregnancy and the postpartum period in the Asia-Pacific region. In this paper, we present seven key consensus recommendations on physical activity and exercise in pregnancy and the postpartum period by 18 key members representing 10 countries in Asia-Pacific regions during an international workshop of the AsiaDiabetes in Pregnancy Conference in Singapore on 11–12 January 2020. Through these consensus recommendations, we hope to improve the metabolic health of pregnant women living in Asia-Pacific regions by educating the public and guiding healthcare professionals on the safety and importance of physical exercise and activity to benefit pregnant women and after childbirth.


2015 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
pp. 3-12 ◽  
Author(s):  
Anna Szumilewicz ◽  
Aneta Worska ◽  
Natalia Rajkowska ◽  
Rita Santos-Rocha

Background: Regular physical activity during pregnancy has a positive effect on the psychophysical condition of the pregnant woman, pregnancy and fetal development, parturition and the postpartum period. However, its level in pregnant women is insufficient in most countries. For an exercise program to be effective it must take into account four training components: intensity, frequency, duration and its content - through a proper selection of the type of exercises and their technique. In this work we aimed to answer the question what information on the contents of prenatal exercises is provided in the current guidelines for exercise during pregnancy in different countries. Methods and Results: We have analyzed 11 documents, that were the official position of national obstetrics, gynecology, or sports medicine institutions from 7 countries. The guidelines provide little information on the contents of prenatal exercise and on the adaptation of sports activities to pregnancy. Conclusions: The guidelines for exercise in pregnancy should be updated based on high-quality research and in collaboration with practitioners in the field of prenatal physical activity, which could increase the chances of their implementation. Trustworthy and comprehensive guidelines created on the basis of international and interdisciplinary initiatives should be disseminated among all interested in prenatal physical activity: pregnant women and their families, obstetrics care providers and exercise professionals to enable them an effective cooperation and to globally promote exercise in pregnancy.


Author(s):  
Adham Davoud ◽  
Malek Abazari

Objective: Physical activity (PA), insomnia, depression, and worry were the key factors affecting pregnant women’s quality of life (QoL). The present study aimed to determine quality of life and its relationship with physical activity, insomnia, depression, and worry in pregnant women. Method: This was an observational cross sectional study, conducted among 256 healthy pregnant women using 5 questionnaires: WHOQOL-brief (WHO Quality of Life Questionnaire, brief version, ISI (Insomnia Severity Index), PSWQ (Penn State Worry Questionnaire), ZSRDS (Zung Self-Rating depression Scale), and Pregnancy Physical Activity Questionnaire (PPAQ). Results: There was a significant relationship between general QoL, insomnia, and worry with educational background, number of children, and occupation (P < 0.05). Depression had a significant relationship with occupation (P < 0.05). PA did not have a significant relationship with demographic information. However, insomnia had a significantly negative relationship with general QoL, general health, and psychological health (P < 0.05). The worry variable had also a significant negative relationship with general QoL, general health, and physiological health (P < 0.05). Depression had a significant negative relationship with general health, physical health, and psychological health (P < 0.05). There was no significant relationship between physical activities in pregnancy with QoL, depression, worry, and insomnia. Conclusion: Women need to be informed about the necessity of controlling and reducing insomnia, worry, and depression to have a higher QoL. PA declined during the second and third trimester of pregnancy. However, PA in pregnancy can positively impact general QoL.


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