Towards a deeper understanding of women’s physical activity behaviour during pregnancy and postpartum: A feminist analysis

Introduction: Women going through the major life transition of pregnancy and motherhood experience significant physical, psychological, social and lifestyle changes, including a decrease in physical activity behaviour, which compromises maternal health. The aim of this study was to explore how women gave meanings to physical activity in their everyday lives during the antenatal and postnatal phase. Methods: semi-structured in-depth telephone interviews amongst a purposively recruited sample of 30 pregnant women. Interview questions were based on a socio-ecological framework and analysed through a feminist lens. Questions focused on changes in PA behaviour, general barriers and enablers of PA, individual factors, and social and physical environmental factors influencing PA behaviour. Results: Individual factors (e.g., life changes related to motherhood, physical and psychological well-being, self-efficacy, motivation, and priority), social environmental factors (social support and social cohesion) and the physical environment (e.g., neighbourhood safety, availability and accessibility of paths and PA facilities, and enjoyable scenery) influenced women’s PA behaviour during pregnancy and the postnatal phase. Within these environments, the feminist analysis identified struggles, which inhibited PA: 1) stigma attached to pregnancy, 2) selfishness and guilt due to social norms and lack of understanding, 3) fulfilling own needs and the needs of others, and 4) breastfeeding in public. Discussion: Existing behavioural change theories do not sufficiently explain women’s PA behaviour during pregnancy and the postnatal period. Their unique needs ought to be addressed in order to increase PA behaviour and wellbeing during this phase of a woman’s life. Strategy suggestions include removing the stigma from pregnancy, improving community awareness around the importance of physical activity behaviour during and after pregnancy, increasing knowledge in pregnant women and mothers on the benefits of physical activity for their own and family’s wellbeing, assisting women in finding a balance between social responsibilities and self-care, and promoting public breastfeeding