Overcoming psychosocial barriers to maternal exercise: intervention strategies to improve participation and adherence

Poor adherence to physical activity programmes during pregnancy is a serious national issue, one that has detrimental effects on a large percentage of the population. Not only does a lack of activity result in a decrease in quality of life for women during term, but the effects can carry over well after pregnancy, potentially leading to increased morbidity and mortality. What's more, reduced prenatal activity can cause adverse effects on the foetus, with impairments seen in physical health as well as cognition. Accordingly, the purpose of this paper is twofold: first, to examine the socio-demographic data and psychosocial influences that modify exercise behaviours in pregnant women and, second, to make recommendations as to effective intervention strategies that can be adopted by health and fitness professionals to help improve maternal exercise participation and adherence.