A Qualitative Exploration of Exercise During Pregnancy

To explore the experience of women engaging in physical activity during pregnancy.

This was the qualitative arm of the Starting Pregnancy With Robustness for Optimal Upward Trajectories (SPROUT) pilot project. Thematic analysis was used to realize patterns of meaning and significance from data on participants' experiences in engaging in physical activity during pregnancy.

One-on-one structured interviews via video conferencing.

Eighteen women in the first trimester of their pregnancy were recruited from local obstetric practices and randomized into one of three exercise groups. All three groups of women were followed for their entire pregnancy and for 6 months postpartum.

Interviews were recorded and analyzed using thematic analysis.

Six major themes important for clinical practice resulted from the analysis: Physical Activity During Pregnancy Is Desirous for Health Benefits, Activity Monitors Provide Motivation, Human Connection HelpsSupportPhysical Activity, More Guidance Is Needed on How to Be Physically Active During Pregnancy, A Supervised Physical Activity Program Is Preferred if Available and Flexible, and Participants Would Choose to Be Physically Active in Subsequent Pregnancies.

Human interaction, education on physical activity guidelines, and exercise advice increased motivation, accountability, and confidence in the women. Using a tracking device such as an activity watch provided real-world feedback in addition to fostering motivation.