A survey of exercise patterns in primigravidae at a Scottish NHS Trust: More consistent support and advice required for women and their families

Abstract

Objective To examine primigravidae women's reported exercise patterns, approaches to exercise and information sources on exercise.

Design Face-to-face survey.

Setting Urban maternity unit in a Scottish city centre hospital.

Method Survey of 42 consecutive recently-delivered primigravidae. Results The women exercised less as they got older and this reduction was exacerbated as pregnancy advanced, particularly for vigorous activities. Exercise declined significantly during the first trimester, a period during which 37 per cent of the women believed that exercise increased the risk of miscarriage. Over the trimesters of pregnancy a significant minority of women (40 per cent) received no advice from any sources on exercise during pregnancy. For the remainder, a wide range of different information sources on exercise were drawn upon, including health professionals, family and educational literature. All women knew that exercise had physical benefits for themselves and their babies but only a minority cited cardiovascular benefits specifically; while 34 per cent of respondents believed that exercise in later pregnancy could be beneficial to the baby. Women from poorer social backgrounds received significantly less advice at all stages of pregnancy (p<0.01).

Conclusion Pregnancy is a period during which women's perception of risk is likely to be heightened, exercise patterns change and physical activity lessens. Women in this study either tended to receive no advice on exercise during pregnancy or received information from a wider variety of professional and lay sources. Health professionals should therefore promote the benefits of exercise to both pregnant women and their families throughout the trimesters of pregnancy. Support should be particularly targeted to those from lower socioeconomic groups.