Abstract
This study aimed to produce a list of the top 10 research priorities regarding physical activity, sedentary behavior, and sleep in pregnancy. Using the Delphi methodology, pregnant/postpartum individuals (N = 118), exercise professionals and healthcare providers (N = 55) listed up to 10 questions perceived as unanswered regarding physical activity, sedentary behavior, and sleep in pregnancy (Round 1). Respondents rated the proposed questions on a Likert importance scale (Round 2), and the sum of ratings received were totaled. Questions of priority regarding physical activity among pregnant/postpartum individuals (N = 67), healthcare providers and exercise professionals (N = 22) pertained to exercise prescription, impact of exercise on maternal and fetal outcomes and impact of exercise on pregnancy conditions, special population groups and clinical education and access to information. Sedentary behavior priorities included the impact of sedentary behavior on maternal and fetal outcomes, sedentary recommendations and exercise and sedentary positioning. Sleep research priorities included the impact of pregnancy on sleep, safety, sleeping aids and the effect of exercise on sleep. Pregnant/postpartum women, healthcare providers and exercise professionals prioritized questions that have in part been addressed by existing research, highlighting a need for improved knowledge translation from research to practice. They have also identified novel questions that warrant prioritization within future research.
Highlights
Physical activity guidelines for pregnant women have evolved significantly over the past 30 years from a recommended 1 mile of walking per day [1,2], to 150 minutes of moderate intensity physical activity each week [3–7]
Despite the provision of readily available prenatal physical activity guidelines and their associated health benefits, self-report data indicate that only 15% of pregnant individuals meet prenatal physical activity recommendations [11]
The barriers to physical activity are similar between pregnant and non-pregnant individuals; during pregnancy, they extend to physical limitations, fatigue and a lack of knowledge regarding the types and volumes of exercise that are safe for the baby [12,13]
Summary
Physical activity guidelines for pregnant women have evolved significantly over the past 30 years from a recommended 1 mile of walking per day [1,2], to 150 minutes of moderate intensity physical activity each week [3–7]. Prenatal physical activity is associated with maternal health benefits, including a decreased risk of delivery by caesarean section, urinary incontinence, depressive symptoms, lumbopelvic pain and total gestational weight gain alongside reduced risk of developing gestational diabetes and pre-eclampsia [3,8] It has been deemed safe for the growing fetus, and reduces the risk of large for gestational age incidence [9,10]. The barriers to physical activity are similar between pregnant and non-pregnant individuals (i.e., time, motivations, and social support); during pregnancy, they extend to physical limitations (including joint pain, swelling, back pain, leg cramps and discomfort), fatigue and a lack of knowledge regarding the types and volumes of exercise that are safe for the baby [12,13].
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