“Moving for My Baby!” Motivators and Perceived Barriers to Facilitate Readiness for Physical Activity during Pregnancy among Obese and Overweight Women of Urban Areas in Northern Taiwan

Abstract

Low levels of physical activity (PA) are of a health concern among high body mass index (BMI) women living a sedentary lifestyle and being overweight or obese during pregnancy is associated with increased risks of maternal and fetal health complications. Obstetricians often provide advice regarding recommended PA levels, yet this has not been easily achieved in this group to prevent adverse birth-related outcomes. The purpose of this study is to explore motivators/enablers and perceived barriers through in-depth qualitative inquiry, guided by a behavioral change model, for understanding of pregnant women’s decisions to engage, or refrain from PA practice. Thirteen overweight and obese pregnant women aged 28 to 45 years with an inactive, sedentary lifestyle in urban areas of northern Taiwan were recruited to participate in six focus group sessions for their intent and readiness for PA engagement in pregnancy. A thematic content analysis was performed with a constant comparison method to categorize interview data and generate themes. The findings illustrate the extent to which obese and overweight pregnant women’s readiness for PA is affected by multiple factors, including personal beliefs, perceived societal norms, peer support, and the competing priorities in the environment. PA interventions are to be effective by focusing on overcoming barriers, increasing motivations, and enhancing self-management. Strategies shared by participants shed lights for program developers to design preferable behavioral interventions for this group of women who are low self-esteem with low self-efficacy to increase PA and meet recommended levels. There is considerable potential for health care providers to provide accessible information, facilitate PA, and promote an active lifestyle during and after pregnancy.

The Influence of Pregestational Body Mass Index and Physical Activity Patterns on Maternal, Delivery, and Newborn Outcomes in a Sample of Portuguese Pregnant Women: A Retrospective Cohort Study

“…This might be due to the fact that during pregnancy, women are in permanent contact with healthcare providers, and they encourage the regular practice of PA. Providers should be facilitators in promoting PA and lifestyle changes before and during pregnancy, especially in women with obesity who are typically more sedentary [48].…”

Recommendations for the Development of Family-Based Interventions Aiming to Prevent Unhealthy Changes in Energy Balance-Related Behavior during the Transition to Parenthood: A Focus Group Study

“…A clear understanding of the needs and desires of (expecting) parents could help planners in developing effective and feasible interventions aiming to improve EBRBs. Given that qualitative methods are considered particularly useful for understanding the process behind behavior change rather than outcomes, the use of this research approach can offer insights into key elements to explore the needs for interventions in the prevention of unhealthy weight gain and EBRB [ 21 , 22 , 23 ]. Therefore, the aim of this study was to identify the needs and wishes of expecting and first-time mothers and fathers to prevent unhealthy changes in EBRB during pregnancy and early postpartum.…”

Estado nutricional e clínico de pacientes submetidos à cirurgia bariátrica

“…Leyla Gabriela Verner Amaral Brandão 1 Thales Philipe Rodrigues Silva 1 Anny Leal Gotschalg 1 Thais Zielke Dias Cardoso 1 Tércia Moreira Ribeiro da Silva 1 Fernanda Batista Oliveira Santos 1 Delma Aurélia da Silva Simão 1 Fernanda Penido Matozinhos 1 Nathércia Percegoni 2 1…”

“…E também é considerada um contribuinte significativo para doenças crônicas não transmissíveis. 1 Nesse sentido, a condição de acúmulo excessivo de gordura corporal predispõe ao desenvolvimento de outras condições crônicas e comprometimentos à saúde. Após a avaliação multiprofissional e constatação do quadro de obesidade (índice de massa corporal / IMC ≥ 30 kg/m 2 ), são estabelecidas recomendações para o tratamento: as variações abrangem o tratamento farmacológico, dietético, terapia cognitivo-comportamental e o método cirúrgico.…”