Community-based exercise interventions during pregnancy are perceived as a satisfactory and motivating form of exercise engagement

摘要

Implications for practice and research: Community-based exercise groups are perceived by pregnant women as a satisfactory and motivating form of exercise engagement. Attendance appears to enhance maintenance and/or an increase in antenatal physical activity levels. Exploration of how best to implement this activity on a broader scale would be beneficial. Context: Undertaking the appropriate level of exercise in pregnancy is a highly desirable lifestyle choice and continues to be a heavily researched area of maternal and child health. Studies exploring benefits of antenatal exercise are numerous, with several having focused on the provision and acceptability of exercise classes. Other approaches have also been explored, such as cognitive-behavioural lifestyle interventions and behaviour change interventions, as well as those with a dietary and nutritional focus.