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Barriers to Physical Activity During Pregnancy and Postpartum-A Narrative Review
Józef Opara1, Jarosław Szczygieł1,2,3, Katarzyna Szczygieł4
1Institute of Physiotherapy and Health Sciences, Jerzy Kukuczka Academy of Physical Education, Ul. Mikołowska 72b, 40-065 Katowice, Poland.
Physical activity during pregnancy and postpartum offers significant health benefits for mothers and infants. Overcoming barriers like safety concerns, fatigue, and lack of time is key to promoting maternal well-being.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Maternal Health
- Exercise Science
Background:
- Physical activity during the perinatal period is a critical public health issue.
- Moderate exercise during pregnancy and postpartum is safe and beneficial.
Purpose of the Study:
- To examine current insights into physical activity during pregnancy and postpartum.
- To identify attitudes, perceived barriers, and influencing factors for participation.
- To analyze obstacles using a socio-ecological framework.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of physical activity during the perinatal phase.
- Analysis of attitudes, barriers, and influencing factors.
- Application of the socio-ecological model to categorize barriers.
Main Results:
- Physical activity lowers risks of gestational diabetes, preeclampsia, and excessive weight gain.
- Postpartum activity aids weight management, reduces depression risk, and improves sleep.
- Barriers shift from safety concerns (pregnancy) to fatigue and childcare (postpartum).
Conclusions:
- Physical activity is safe and beneficial throughout the perinatal period.
- Addressing intrapersonal, interpersonal, environmental, organizational, and policy barriers is essential.
- Tailored interventions are needed to support sustained physical activity for maternal health.
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