Exercise in pregnancy - UK women's views and experiences: results of an online survey

Abstract

Both NICE and RCOG recommend 30min of moderate physical activity, at least four times per week, for women with uncomplicated pregnancies, in all trimesters. The primary aims of this study were to establish the views of UK women regarding how much exercise they should undertake at each stage of pregnancy and whether they accumulated the recommended amount of physical activity through exercise during their current or most recent pregnancy.

Methods: An online survey was developed and advertised to women who had been or were pregnant via social media and websites related to pregnancy or parenting. Exercise was defined within the survey as including jogging, cycling, exercise classes and brisk but not gentle walking.

Results: 1001 women participated. 22.9% were currently pregnant, and 64.8% had been pregnant in the last three years. 38.5% of participants reported that women should exercise four or more times per week in the first trimester, and 23% in the third trimester. 21.3% reported exercising four or more times per week in their first trimester, and 11.4% in the third trimester. 46.9% reduced their exercise upon becoming pregnant, while 6.7% increased exercise and 12% stopped completely. Tiredness (62.7%), aches and pains (44.8%), morning sickness (41.4%) and worry about miscarriage (27.4%) were the most common reasons to avoid exercise.

Conclusions: UK women may be unaware of the recommended levels of physical activity in pregnancy and may fail to meet recommendations through exercise. Despite no evidence of risk, women are concerned that exercise contributes to miscarriage.