Effects of exercise on pregnant women’s quality of life: A systematic review

Effects of strength training on quality of life in pregnant women: A systematic review

INTRODUCTION

Physical activity is known to improve physical and psychological outcomes in pregnant women. While aerobic exercise is typically emphasized in physical activity guidelines for pregnant women, emerging research suggests that strength training may offer unique benefits beyond those provided by aerobic exercise alone. This systematic review aimed to systematically explore the effects and characteristics of strength training interventions on the health-related quality of life of pregnant women, with the goal of informing more comprehensive and specific exercise guidelines.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

A systematic literature search was conducted across PubMed, Web of Science, and EBSCO Host databases without time restrictions, following PRISMA guidelines (PROSPERO ID: CRD42024511477). Nine randomized controlled trials met the inclusion criteria, involving a total of 1581 participants.

RESULTS

The studies reviewed demonstrated that strength training during pregnancy can mitigate excessive weight gain, alleviate low back and sciatic pain, enhance mood, and improve various aspects of health-related quality of life. These aspects include physical activity levels, muscular strength, flexibility, sleep quality, energy expenditure, and psychological well-being.

CONCLUSIONS

Despite these promising findings, this review highlights the need for standardized methodologies and detailed reporting in future research. Incorporating strength training into general exercise recommendations for pregnant women has the potential to optimize maternal health outcomes such as muscle strength, weight gain, physical activity levels, low back pain, pelvic pain, fatigue, anxiety, energy levels, vitality, sleep duration, and health status.

"It's More than Just Exercise": Psychosocial Experiences of Women in the Conscious 9 Months Specifically Designed Prenatal Exercise Programme-A Qualitative Study

Background/Objectives: Physical activity during pregnancy is recognised for its benefits to maternal and foetal health. However, adherence to prenatal exercise programmes is often low due to psychological, physical, and social barriers. This study explored the experiences of women who successfully completed a tailored prenatal exercise programme, "Conscious 9 Months", aiming to identify factors enabling adherence and providing recommendations for future programme development. Methods: A descriptive qualitative research design was employed using semi-structured, in-depth interviews with ten participants who completed the programme between 2017 and 2019. Thematic Analysis was conducted to explore their experiences. Results: Participants emphasised the transformative nature of the programme, which extended far beyond physical exercise. Three interconnected domains emerged: psychosocial, physical, and psychoeducational. The present article focuses on the psychosocial domain, highlighting the significance of exercising in a group of pregnant women as a key source of support. Additionally, the atmosphere played a crucial role in facilitating the participants' regular attendance. Finally, the findings indicate that the programme fostered lasting social connections that extended beyond its formal completion. Conclusions: A holistic approach that integrates physical activity with social and emotional support can foster a sense of community and enhance long-term adherence. The design of future programmes should prioritise small group sizes to facilitate peer support and create a safe and welcoming atmosphere to encourage emotional expression. Additionally, sustained engagement beyond pregnancy through follow-up initiatives, family involvement, and postnatal movement programmes can further reinforce long-term participation and promote lasting health benefits for both mothers and their children.

Effectiveness of a nurse-led family empowerment program to improve the quality of life among pregnant adolescents: A randomized controlled trial

OBJECTIVE

The present study examined the effects of a nurse-led family empowerment program on the quality of life of Palestinian pregnant adolescents.

METHODS

This was a randomized controlled trial with a two-group pre-/post-test design. The sample consisted of 58 pregnant adolescents recruited from six governmental primary health care clinics in Palestine. Participants were randomly allocated in equal numbers to either the control group (n = 29), which received routine care, or the experimental group (n = 29), which received both routine care and the study program. Data collection instruments included a demographic form and the WHO Quality of Life-BREF (WHOQoL-BREF). Data were collected twice: at 32 or 33 weeks' gestation to establish a baseline and at 36 or 37 weeks' gestation post-test. Statistical analyses were performed and included descriptive statistics, chi-square and t-tests.

RESULTS

The study findings indicated a significant increase in the mean quality of life scores of the experimental group in the post-test compared to the pre-test (P < 0.001). Additionally, pregnant adolescents in the experimental group demonstrated significantly higher post-test QoL scores than those in the control group (P < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

The nurse-led family empowerment program emerges as a viable and efficacious alternative intervention for improving the quality of life among Palestinian pregnant adolescents.

CLINICALTRIALS

The study was registered with the NIH U.S. National Library of Medicine ClinicalTrials.gov on 01/09/2021 with the registration code NCT05031130. It can be accessed via this link: https://classic.

CLINICALTRIALS

gov/ct2/show/NCT05031130.

Effects of a behavioral intervention on physical activity, diet, and health-related quality of life in postpartum women with elevated weight: results of the HIPP randomized controlled trial

BACKGROUND

Approaches to improve physical activity (PA), diet, and health-related quality of life (HRQOL) during postpartum in diverse women with elevated weight are needed.

METHODS

Health In Pregnancy and Postpartum (HIPP) was a randomized controlled trial that followed African American and white women with overweight or obesity from pregnancy through 12 months postpartum. Participants were randomized to a behavioral intervention grounded in social cognitive theory (n = 112) or standard care (n = 107). From enrollment (≤ 18 weeks gestation) through 6 months postpartum, the intervention group received two in-depth counseling sessions (one each during pregnancy and postpartum), counseling calls, behavioral podcasts, and access to a private Facebook group, while the standard care group received monthly mailings and podcasts focused on healthy pregnancy and infant development. PA (SenseWear armband), diet (ASA24), and HRQOL (SF-12) measurements were obtained from blinded assessors at baseline and 6- and 12-months postpartum. Linear or quantile regression models, depending on conformity to normality assumptions, were used to test differences between behavioral intervention and standard groups in PA outcomes (minutes/day of total PA, light PA, and moderate-to-vigorous intensity PA (MVPA), and total steps/day), dietary outcomes (diet quality and six measures of dietary intake), and HRQOL at 6- and 12-months postpartum, controlling for baseline values, race, parity, weight status, education, maternal age, gestational age, and caloric intake (for most diet models).

RESULTS

There were no statistically significant differences by group for any PA, diet, or HRQOL outcomes at 6 or 12 months postpartum. Irrespective of group assignment, all PA outcomes improved from pregnancy to postpartum, as did kcals and the mental component of HRQOL. Furthermore, while not statistically significant, virtually all PA outcomes, except MVPA at 12 months, and several dietary outcomes, including diet quality, had patterns favoring the intervention group but with small effect sizes.

CONCLUSIONS

Postpartum PA, diet, and HRQOL did not differ significantly between women in the behavioral intervention group and those in the standard care group. Given the increased responsibilities and stress that women face during the postpartum period, this appears to be a challenging time to make lifestyle changes.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

This trial was registered at ClinicalTrials.gov on 10/09/2014. Identifier: NCT02260518.

Exercise Intervention to Mitigate the Cardiovascular Sequence of Pregnancy Complications

Pregnancy issues such as gestational hypertension, preeclampsia, and gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) are significant contributors to long-term cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) in women. Recent research has proved the impact of exercise on improving cardiovascular outcomes, particularly in women with pregnancy-related disorders. This review explores the outcomes of various exercise interventions on cardiovascular health in pregnant women. Among these, aerobic exercise has been widely studied, with results from observational studies and randomized controlled trials (RCTs) showing its positive outcomes on cardiovascular health in pregnant women, especially with complications. It has been found that regular aerobic exercise has been associated with reduced hypertension and improved endothelial function, particularly in women with a history of preeclampsia. Evidently, aerobic exercise results in better blood pressure regulation and enhanced vascular health that directly attends to the risk of cardiovascular diseases associated with pregnancy complications. Another form of exercise is resistance training, which despite being studied less, has shown potential benefits as well. Some advantages of resistance exercise have been found to improve muscle strength and overall enhancement in metabolic control. This is important, especially in women with GDM whereby improvement in insulin sensitivity reduces the overall risk of type 2 diabetes and future CVDs. Combined exercise that incorporates both aerobic and resistance elements has been known to offer the most comprehensive benefits. Various studies suggest that a combinatory approach maximizes the positive cardiovascular effects. Practicing women have experienced better overall heart health, with improved blood pressure regulation, enhanced endothelial function, and reduced metabolic risks. However, despite these findings, there are challenges such as small sample sizes and limited follow-up durations that hinder the generalizability of current research. Importantly, previous studies targeting exercise interventions for women experiencing complications during pregnancy have been limited in evidence by small sample sizes, short follow-ups, and lack of diversity. Such broader, more diverse populations were needed to reflect the various health risks and responses to exercise. Future research must include multi-center RCTs, diverse exercise regimens, and digital health tools for monitoring exercise adherence. This warrants future large-scale, multicenter trials that are necessary to establish more definitive evidence. Additionally, clinicians should consider including tailored exercise programs in care plans for women with pregnancy complications to mitigate long-term cardiovascular risks.

Exercise as a Therapeutic Intervention for Chronic Disease Management: A Comprehensive Review

This comprehensive review examines exercise as a therapeutic intervention for managing chronic diseases. It explores the physiological mechanisms behind physical activity's beneficial effects and its impact on various conditions, including cardiovascular disease, diabetes mellitus, obesity, and mental health disorders. Drawing from current literature and research findings, this review highlights how regular exercise significantly reduces mortality rates, improves disease outcomes, and enhances the overall quality of life for those with chronic illnesses. It discusses specific exercise recommendations for different conditions, emphasizing the importance of tailored physical activity programs. The review also addresses exercise's potential as a cost-effective and accessible treatment option, which may complement or, in some cases, reduce the need for pharmacological interventions. Ultimately, this review aims to equip healthcare professionals with a thorough understanding of exercise's therapeutic potential in chronic disease management, supporting the integration of physical activity into comprehensive treatment plans.

Influence of a Concurrent Exercise Training Program on Health-Related Quality of Life During Advanced Pregnancy: The GESTAFIT Project

BACKGROUND

Health-related quality of life (HRQoL) may be altered during pregnancy due to pregnancy-related changes in all domains of women's health.

HYPOTHESIS

A supervised concurrent exercise-training program from the 17th gestational week until birth positively influences HRQoL.

STUDY DESIGN

Randomized controlled trial.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level 1.

METHODS

Eighty-six pregnant women (age, 33.1 ± 4.6 years; prepregnancy body mass index, 23.5 kg/m2), divided into exercise (n = 41) and control (n = 45) groups, participated in this study (per-protocol basis). The exercise group followed a 60-min, 3 days/week, concurrent (aerobic + resistance) exercise training program. HRQoL was assessed with the 36-Item Short Form Health Survey (SF-36), where higher scores (0-100) indicate better HRQoL.

RESULTS

After adjusting for potential confounders, the exercise group decreased 16.1 points less than the control group in the SF-36 physical functioning domain [between-group differences (B): 95% confidence interval (CI), 9.02 to 23.22; P < 0.01], and 4.5 points less in the SF-36 physical component summary than the control group (between-group differences (B): 95% CI, 0.65 to 8.28; P = 0.02). Intention-to-treat basis analyses depicted similar results, where the exercise group decreased 10.03 points less than the control group the in the SF-36 social functioning domain (between-group differences (B): 95% CI, 0.39 to 19.68; P = 0.04).

CONCLUSION

A supervised concurrent exercise training program ameliorates HRQoL decreases along gestation. Although HRQoL decreased throughout pregnancy in both groups, this impact was less in the exercise group, especially in the SF-36 physical functioning, the SF-36 social functioning, and the SF-36 physical component summary.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE

Healthcare providers may encourage pregnant women to exercise in this physiological stage for a better HRQoL throughout pregnancy.

CLINICALTRIALS.GOV IDENTIFIER

NCT02582567; Date of registration: 20/10/2015.

Physical activity promotion among pregnancy - the role of physician from the women's perspective

Objective

The clear benefits of planned and supervised physical activity (PA) during pregnancy make it imperative that women are encouraged and educated about this activity. This study aimed to investigate how effectively physician promote physical activity and exercise among pregnant women. It also examines pro-health changes in selected health behaviours during pregnancy.

Methods

This cross-sectional study recruited a total of 353 pregnant women in Wielkopolskie Voivodship in Poland. An anonymous survey (on-line or in-paper) was used to assess physical activity before and during pregnancy (with Pregnancy Physical Activity Questionnaire), physical activity self-efficacy, well-being (WHO-5 Well-Being Index), and guidance received from physicians on physical activity during pregnancy.

Results

Only 41% of women surveyed followed WHO recommendations for PA before pregnancy, and they were much more likely to discuss safety and the need to change the intensity or type of PA with their doctor or gynaecologist. Only 23% of women were asked about their PA before pregnancy and less than 40% were encouraged to be active during pregnancy. We observed a higher probability of poor well-being among pregnant women who were inactive before pregnancy (OR = 1.873, 95%CI 1.026 to 3.421, p = 0.041).

Conclusion

Health professionals infrequently educate and motivate women to be physically active during pregnancy. Physician advice, as it is currently perceived by women, seems to be insufficient to help pregnant women meet the recommendations for PA during pregnancy.

The effect of exercise training and motivational counselling on physical activity behaviour and psychosocial factors in pregnant women: secondary analyses of the FitMum randomised controlled trial investigating prenatal physical activity

BACKGROUND

A physically active lifestyle is beneficial during pregnancy. However, little is known about physical activity (PA) behaviour and psychosocial factors in women during and after pregnancy. This study examined exercise behavioural regulation, exercise self-efficacy, health-related quality of life, sickness absence and musculoskeletal pain in pregnant women offered either structured supervised exercise training, motivational counselling on PA, or standard prenatal care in the FitMum randomised controlled trial.

METHODS

Two hundred and eighteen healthy inactive pregnant women were randomised to structured supervised exercise training (n = 87), motivational counselling on PA (n = 86) or standard prenatal care (n = 45). The women answered the Behavioural Regulation in Exercise Questionnaire-2 (BREQ-2), the Pregnancy Exercise Self-Efficacy Scale (P-ESES-DK) and the Short Form 36 Health Survey Questionnaire (SF-36) at baseline (gestational age (GA) of max 15 weeks), GA 28 and 34 weeks, and one year after delivery. Sickness absence and low back and/or pelvic girdle pain were likewise reported in questionnaires at baseline and GA 28 weeks.

RESULTS

Participants offered structured supervised exercise training or motivational counselling on PA had higher autonomous motivation for exercise during pregnancy compared with participants receiving standard prenatal care (e.g., difference in intrinsic regulation at GA 28 weeks, structured supervised exercise training vs. standard prenatal care: mean difference in score 0.39 [0.16; 0.64], p < 0.001). Participants offered structured supervised exercise training also had higher exercise self-efficacy during pregnancy (e.g., GA 28 weeks, structured supervised exercise training vs. standard prenatal care: mean difference in score 6.97 [2.05; 12.02], p = 0.005). All participants reported high exercise self-efficacy at baseline and medium exercise self-efficacy during pregnancy and one year after delivery. No differences were found between groups in health-related quality of life, sickness absence or low back and/or pelvic girdle pain during pregnancy. No group differences were found one year after delivery.

CONCLUSION

Structured supervised exercise training and motivational counselling on PA had important effects on autonomous exercise motivation during pregnancy. Exercise self-efficacy was also increased with structured supervised exercise training compared to standard prenatal care. No group differences in health-related quality of life, sickness absence, or pain were found during and after pregnancy. No effects were found one year post-delivery after intervention cessation.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

The study was approved by the Danish National Committee on Health Research Ethics (#H-18011067) and the Danish Data Protection Agency (#P-2019-512). The study adheres to the principles of the Helsinki declaration. Written informed consent was obtained at inclusion.

Core Stabilization Exercise in Prenatal and Postnatal Women With Urinary Incontinence: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials

OBJECTIVE

The aim of the study is to evaluate the effect size of core stabilization exercise for prenatal and postnatal women through measures of urinary symptoms, voiding function, pelvic floor muscle strength and endurance, quality of life, and pain scores.

DESIGN

The PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, and Scopus databases were searched. Randomized controlled trials were selected and subjected to meta-analysis and risk of bias assessment.

RESULTS

Ten randomized controlled trials were selected, and 720 participants were included. Ten articles using seven outcomes were analyzed. Relative to the control groups, the core stabilization exercise groups exhibited superior results for urinary symptoms (standardized mean difference = -0.65, 95% confidence interval = -0.97 to 0.33), pelvic floor muscle strength (standardized mean difference = 0.96, 95% confidence interval = 0.53 to 1.39), pelvic floor muscle endurance (standardized mean difference = 0.71, 95% confidence interval = 0.26 to 1.16), quality of life (standardized mean difference = -0.9, 95% confidence interval = -1.23 to 0.58), transverse muscle strength (standardized mean difference = -0.45, 95% confidence interval = -0.9 to -0.01), and voiding function (standardized mean difference = -1.07, 95% confidence interval = -1.87 to 0.28).

CONCLUSIONS

Core stabilization exercises are safe and beneficial for alleviating urinary symptoms, improving quality of life, strengthening pelvic floor muscles, and improving transverse muscle function in prenatal and postnatal women with urinary incontinence.

A Longitudinal Dyadic Study of Six Leisure Activities in Swedish Couples During the Transition to Parenthood

Parents are not only caregivers to their children; they also have leisure routines that can impact their own well-being. However, little is known about how leisure activities change within the context of a couple during the transition to parenthood. This study uses latent growth curve models and data from the Swedish Pregnancy Panel to examine how often 918 first-time, heterosexual couples participated in six leisure activities from around pregnancy week 19 to one year postpartum. Compared to fathers, mothers less frequently exercised and listened to news, and more frequently read newspapers, spent time for themselves, and spent time with friends. Over time, mothers increased their frequency of praying to God and decreased spending time for themselves and with friends. Fathers decreased frequency of exercise. Within couples, there was a positive correlation between mothers' and fathers' frequency of engaging in leisure activities, although most changes over time were not associated. Our finding that two individuals within a couple may change their leisure activities independently of each other during the transition to parenthood can help healthcare professionals and researchers prepare expectant couples for upcoming changes (or lack thereof) and promote parent well-being. Our findings also highlight the possibility that in contexts with more state support for families, parenthood may not exacerbate gender gaps in leisure.

Effects of a behavioral intervention on physical activity, diet, and health-related quality of life in pregnant women with elevated weight: results of the HIPP randomized controlled trial

BACKGROUND

Physical activity (PA), diet, and health-related quality of life (HRQOL) are related to maternal and infant health, but interventions to improve these outcomes are needed in diverse pregnant women with elevated weight.

METHODS

Health In Pregnancy and Postpartum (HIPP) was a randomized controlled trial. Women who were pregnant (N=219, 44% African American, 56% white) with overweight or obesity but otherwise healthy were randomized to a behavioral intervention grounded in Social Cognitive Theory (n=112) or to standard care (n=107). The intervention group received an in-depth counseling session, a private Facebook group, and 10 content-based counseling calls with accompanying behavioral podcasts followed by weekly or biweekly counseling calls until delivery. The standard care group received monthly mailings and 10 podcasts focused on healthy pregnancy. PA (SenseWear armband), diet (ASA24), and HRQOL (SF-12) measures were obtained from blinded assessors at baseline (<16 weeks) and late pregnancy (32 weeks). Mixed model repeated measures regression models tested treatment (Group x Time) and within-group effects. We hypothesized that intervention participants would have higher levels of PA, a better-quality diet, and higher HRQOL than standard care participants. Exploratory analyses examined whether changes in outcomes over time differed according to whether participants had recommended, excessive, or inadequate weight gain.

RESULTS

Treatment effects favored intervention participants for vegetable intake (d=0.40, p<0.05) and % whole grains (d=0.60, p<0.01). HRQOL mental component improved in both groups, but less in intervention than standard care participants (d=-0.33, p<0.05). Time effects demonstrated that total PA, steps/day, and HRQOL physical component declined significantly in both groups. Within-group effects showed that diet quality significantly improved in intervention participants. Moderate-intensity PA declined significantly in standard care participants, whereas light-intensity PA declined and sedentary behavior increased significantly in intervention participants. Finally, exploratory analyses showed that total PA and light PA increased whereas sedentary behavior decreased among those meeting guidelines for weight gain, with opposite patterns seen among those with excessive or inadequate weight gain.

CONCLUSIONS

The intervention improved several dietary outcomes but had modest impacts on PA and HRQOL, underscoring the challenge of behavior change during pregnancy.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

This trial was registered in ClinicalTrials.gov on 10/09/2014. NCT02260518.

Self-reported exercise or physical activity level: what matters to a better quality of life in the third trimester of pregnancy?

This study evaluated the relationship of self-reported exercise, physical activity (PA) level, and Quality of Life (QoL) among women in their third trimester of pregnancy and verified which factors are associated with physical exercise (PE) and QoL. A cross-sectional study was performed with women who have been pregnant for at least 28 weeks and who can engage in PE. Data on self-reported exercise, sociodemographic characteristics, PA level, and QoL were collected through the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ) and the World Health Organization Quality of Life Questionnaire BREF version (WHOQOL-BREF). Frequencies, bivariate analyses, and logistic and linear regression were performed. Among 405 pregnant women, 103 (25.43 percent) reported practicing PE. The self-reported PE was associated with better scores in the physical and environmental domains of the WHOQOL-BREF. Several IPAQ variables and the WHOQOL-BREF environmental score were associated with self-reported exercise. The majority classified as "active" by the IPAQ was due to employment and not the PE practice. A correct conceptual approach to PA and PE during antenatal care has a different impact on health and QoL during pregnancy.

The effects of yoga on quality of life among postmenopausal women: A systematic review study

INTRODUCTION

The quality of life in menopausal women is considered to be an important health issue in different societies and one of the main objectives of health care in this period. This study aimed to investigate the effects of yoga on improving the quality of life in menopausal women.

METHOD

English databases of Google Scholar, Science Direct, PubMed, Scopus, and Cochrane Library were searched to access related articles using keywords of menopause, quality of life, and yoga. Furthermore, Persian equivalents of the same keywords were searched in databases of Google Scholar, SID, and Magiran, in addition to a combination of the keywords. The search interval was from the inspection to January 2020. The quality of the included studied was assessed based on CONSORT 2017 checklist.

RESULTS

Out of 120 articles found in the databases, six articles entered the study based on the inclusion criteria and were investigated for intervention methods and consequences. The results indicated the positive impact of yoga on the quality of life in menopausal women.

CONCLUSION

Considering the effects of yoga on the symptoms and quality of life in menopausal women, it is suggested that this low-cost method be used to improve their quality of life and health.

The effect of moringa leaf extracton increasing hemoglobin and bodyweight in post-disaster pregnant women

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this study was to analyze the effect of extract of Moringa leaves extract to reduce the incidence of anemia by measuring hemoglobin level (Hb), upper arm circumference (UAC) and body weight (BW) on post-disaster pregnant women. It also aimed to determine the effect of moringa leaves extract on Hb level, UAC and BW of pregnant women.

METHOD

This research used a quasi experiment with a randomized controlled double blind design. A sample of 40 pregnant women were divided into two groups, namely the intervention group of 20 people and the control group of 20 people. The intervention group was given capsules of Moringa leaf extract and iron capsules every day. The control group was only given iron capsules.

RESULT

The characteristics of respondents in the two groups before intervention and put it before were not different. To show there is a difference after the intervention, the Hb level of pregnant women in the intervention group significantly increased compared to the control group (p=0.000). Similarly the UAC and BW are higher in intervention group than that in control (p=0.033). This means that the data were significantly different (p=0.040).

CONCLUSION

The conclusion was that moringa leaf extract has an effect on increasing HB level, UAC and BW of post-disaster pregnant women in the area of Tinggede Health Center, Sigi District. Moringa leaf extract is suggested as an alternative supplement to overcome anemia on post-disaster pregnant women.

The Evidence Base in Exercise Knowledge of Pregnant Women: A Latent Class Analysis

BACKGROUND

Exercise has many benefits for women with uncomplicated pregnancies. However, poor exercise knowledge may contribute to problems or barriers that reduce a woman's level of exercise after becoming pregnant.

AIM

This study was performed to identify pregnancy exercise knowledge among pregnant women using latent class analysis and to examine the relationship between pregnancy exercise knowledge patterns and sociodemographic characteristics.

DESIGN

A descriptive, cross-sectional approach was used in this study.

METHODS

Participants were recruited from the prenatal outpatient departments of two hospitals and a certified prenatal center in Taipei, Taiwan. A total of 618 participants completed a pregnancy exercise knowledge test. The data were analyzed using WINMIRA and SPSS 20.0 software.

RESULTS

Two latent classes were identified based on exercise knowledge among pregnant women. The Accurate Knowledge group (n = 543, 87.9%), which had a higher latent trait for exercise knowledge (M = 1.31, SD = 0.94), was larger than the Limited Knowledge group (n = 75, 12.1%), which had a lower latent trait (M = -0.22, SD = 1.14). The principles of exercise for pregnant women, particularly the appropriate intensity and duration, may be difficult items for women in the Limited Knowledge group to understand. Women with Limited Knowledge had significantly lower education levels and greater rates of unemployment, multiparity, and miscarriage than women in the Accurate Knowledge group.

LINKING EVIDENCE TO ACTION

A two-class system for interpreting exercise knowledge among pregnant women is statistically supported. We believe that this study has evidence-based potential to help healthcare providers improve pregnant women's exercise knowledge as part of routine prenatal care to promote exercise.

Effects of exercise on pregnancy and postpartum fatigue: A systematic review and meta-analysis

OBJECTIVE

Fatigue is a common adverse experience in pregnant and postpartum women and is associated with poor outcomes and can seriously affect maternal and infant health and quality of life. However, data from existing studies are inconsistent, and no studies have examined the effects of exercise on pregnancy and postpartum fatigue. The aim of this review is to evaluate the effects of exercise on pregnancy and postpartum fatigue.

STUDY DESIGN

PubMed, EMBASE, Web of Science and the Cochrane Library database were used to retrieve literature. Eligible studies were clinical trials that reported the effects of exercise on pregnancy and postpartum fatigue in women. The methodological quality of the included studies was assessed using the Cochrane Collaboration Risk of Bias Assessment Tool. A fixed-effect model was used to analyse the pooled results. Subgroup analyses were used to explore sources of heterogeneity. Sensitivity analysis was used to validate the robustness of the pooled results.

RESULTS

Seven studies were included. The results of meta-analysis of five studies showed that exercise during pregnancy and the postpartum period may have beneficial effects on women's fatigue ([SMD = 0.29, 95 % CI (0.10, 0.47), P = 0.003]). Subgroup analyses reported that compared with the control, long exercise programmes, postpartum exercise and supervised exercise significantly improved fatigue levels.

CONCLUSIONS

Postpartum exercise in a supervised programme lasting more than eight weeks may be beneficial for reducing postpartum fatigue. More available data from large-scale and high-quality trials are needed to demonstrate the effects of exercise on pregnant and postpartum fatigue.

Knowledge, attitude, and practices on exercise among pregnant females attending Al-Wazarat Health Center, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

BACKGROUND

The consequences of physical inactivity during pregnancy are one of the major problems among pregnant women in Saudi. To explore the pattern of exercise and to know the beliefs and reasons for not doing physical activity (PA) emphasized the need for conducting this study. This study aimed to improve the level of knowledge and practice of PA among women during pregnancy.

METHODS

A cross-sectional study was performed using quota sampling.

RESULTS

41.62% of pregnant women had high level of physical activity (PA) awareness and practice and 58.37% had a low level of awareness and practice. Statistical difference was found between the two groups in terms of parity, education level, work status, and family income. Pregnant women preferred walking as exercise. They are aware about PA benefits during pregnancy, but perceived that tiredness was the greatest barrier for physical activity.

CONCLUSION

This study recommends conducting well-designed intervention sessions to promote PA awareness and practice among pregnant women, especially those with low education, low income, and low number of children.

Current Resources for Evidence-Based Practice, July 2020

An extensive review of new resources to support the provision of evidence-based care for women and infants. The current column includes a discussion of whether it is ethical not to offer doula care to all women, and commentaries on reviews focused on folic acid and autism spectrum disorder, and timing of influenza vaccination during pregnancy.

Physical Activity Patterns among 9000 Pregnant Women in Poland: A Cross-Sectional Study

The aim was to analyze the knowledge and experience of women regarding physical activity during their latest pregnancy. An anonymous questionnaire was completed electronically, in 2018, by 9345 women who gave birth at least once, with 52% of the women having performed exercises during pregnancy. Physically non-active respondents suffered from gestational hypertension (9.2% vs. 6.7%; p < 0.01) and gave birth prematurely (9% vs. 7%; p < 0.01) to newborns with a low birth weight significantly more often (6% vs. 3.6%; p < 0.001). Physically active women delivered vaginally more often (61% vs. 55%; p < 0.001) and were more likely to have a spontaneous onset of the delivery as compared with non-active women (73.8% vs. 70.7% p = 0.001). The women who were informed by gynaecologist about the beneficial influence of physical activity during pregnancy exercised significantly more often (67% vs. 44% p < 0.001). In addition, 13% of the women felt discrimination due to their physical activity during a pregnancy, 22% of respondents' physical activity was not accepted by their environment, and 39.1% of the women were told by others to stop physical exercise because it was bad for the baby's health. Physical activity during pregnancy is associated with improved fitness, decreased pregnancy ailments occurrence, and therefore influences the course of pregnancy and delivery in a positive way.

The effectiveness and characteristics of pregnancy yoga interventions: a systematic review protocol

Background: The purpose of this review is to systematically examine the reported clinical effectiveness of pregnancy yoga.  The review will use the FITT (frequency, intensity, time/duration and type) principle of physical activity to characterise the different types of yoga interventions that have been evaluated in the included studies.  Studies will be categorised as effectiveness or efficacy studies and this continuum of efficacy versus effectiveness will be incorporated into the full review.  Methods/design: The following electronic databases will be searched using a detailed search strategy: MEDLINE, PsycINFO, EMBASE, CINAHL, WHOLiS, AMED, ScieLo, ASSIA and Web of Science. Randomised control trials and quasi-experimental studies examining pregnancy yoga and reporting on effect will be included. Titles, abstracts and full articles will be screened by two investigators independently to identify eligible studies.  The Cochrane Collaboration's Risk of Bias Assessment tool will be used to assess study quality.  Quality of the evidence will be evaluated using the GRADE criteria. A standardised data extraction form will be used to extract data. Effect sizes will be estimated using mean differences for continuous outcomes, and relative risks for dichotomous outcome. Where possible, pooling of effect estimates will be done using a random effect model.  The outcomes of interest are quality of life, stress, anxiety, depression, mode of birth, labour duration and pain management in labour. Discussion: This review will synthesise the best available evidence on the effectiveness of yoga during pregnancy and provide valuable high-quality information for clinicians and health policymakers. Findings will be disseminated through publication in a peer-reviewed journal and presentation at relevant conference proceedings. The review will make recommendations for the appropriate volume, intensity and type of pregnancy yoga for maximum effect and may have implications for policy and practice relating to pregnancy yoga as an intervention.   Registration: PROSPERO, CRD42019119916.  Registered on 11th January 2019.