How to encourage physical activity in pregnant women

Exercising during pregnancy has numerous benefits, but the reality is that not many women practice it.

Less than 30% of pregnant women worldwide meet physical activity recommendations, while 45% to 55% of non-pregnant women in developed countries do.

Exercise during pregnancy helps reduce the risk of hypertension, gestational diabetes and control body weight.

It may also be useful in treating medical conditions, such as improving glycemic control in pregnant women with diabetes.

However, we have to face a problem: less than half of health professionals know the guidelines for physical activity during pregnancy, and only a third of pregnant women receive any professional advice on the matter.

Although there are official recommendations for exercise during pregnancy, it seems that these do not reach the women who need them.

In this article, we review recommendations for physical activity during pregnancy and how health professionals can provide support for women to stay active during this time.

The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends pregnant women accumulate 150 minutes of moderate aerobic exercise per week.

In general, exercising during pregnancy is safe for most women, although some with special health conditions may need to consult a doctor before starting or continuing their routine.

There is a Pregnancy Physical Activity Questionnaire that can help pregnant women overcome any fears or worries they may have.

However, there are some medical conditions in which it is necessary to avoid physical exercise, such as uncontrolled hypertension, restrictive lung disease, multiple pregnancies (three or more fetuses), persistent vaginal bleeding, and severe anemia.

It is also recommended to avoid activities with a high risk of falls, high-impact or contact injuries, or those that limit oxygen (for example, training at high altitudes if you don't normally live there).

Vigorous intensity activity is not recommended for previously inactive women, while those who significantly exceed physical activity recommendations before becoming pregnant are advised to consult with a health professional specialized in the athletic population.

During pregnancy, women face various situations and, sometimes, getting exercise can be complicated.

Fear of affecting the fetus, problems with the pelvic floor, nausea, tiredness and anxiety can make it difficult to stay active or continue with her usual routine.

Additionally, lack of time or support at home can also be an obstacle.

Before insisting on exercise, health professionals should really understand how pregnant women feel and what their concerns and conditions are.

A more personalized approach could be key, rather than offering a one-size-fits-all solution.

With advice centered on the pregnant woman, based on her intentions and feelings, health professionals could provide guidance that really makes sense.

We can define four general profiles of pregnant women in relation to physical activity: those who are already active and wish to continue being active during pregnancy (profile 1), those who were active, but do not plan to continue being so (profile 2), those who do not were carrying out any activity, but want to be active now (profile 3), and those who were not active and have no intention of changing (profile 4).

Each profile needs a different approach.

For example, Profile 1 may just need quick reinforcement or help, but Profile 2, perhaps a more goal-focused approach, is appropriate.

Profile 3 might benefit from a motivational talk, and profile 4 might need more advice on physical activity.

In addition to overcoming obstacles and concerns, pregnant women should try to be practical when introducing physical activity into their daily lives;

For example, doing actions such as climbing stairs or having walking meetings can help you.

Identifying and recognizing the activities she already does is important, such as housework or running errands, as part of her physical exercise.

Sometimes, health professionals themselves have barriers to recommending physical exercise at this stage of a woman's life, and the reasons are usually lack of training, confidence, time and resources.

To make their task easier, they could use infographics, such as those created by the United Kingdom, that explain physical activity guidelines during pregnancy.

Pregnancy is a key moment in life.

It can be a unique opportunity to optimize and maintain health.

It is crucial that health professionals are well prepared and know how to motivate pregnant women to exercise.

These professionals have the power to change the message about physical activity during pregnancy, putting aside fear and misinformation, and highlighting the benefits for pregnant women.

If a pregnant woman is interested in exercising, the most correct thing would be for health professionals to refer her to centers that have physical-sports educators (Graduates in Physical Activity and Sports Sciences), who are the best trained professionals. to design physical exercise programs, both for apparently healthy people and for those with specific health conditions.

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