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Table 5 Theme 2: Legitimising behaviours - Justifying physical activity

From: A qualitative study exploring pregnant women’s weight-related attitudes and beliefs in UK: the BLOOM study

Justification presented

Supporting quotes

Fear of harming baby

I probably would have liked to have done some more activity, if the truth be known, … probably thinking I didn’t want to harm the baby which is completely stupid and I should have just got on with it, but I think… if I don’t do any exercise for 9 months, nothing can harm the baby” (Pam, 1st pregnancy, Recommended BMI)

When women had doubts about the safety of activities on their baby, they discontinued or reduced the intensity of certain regularly performed activities.

Physical limitations

“At the moment it is not a long walk to work, and by the time I get there I am a bit out of breath and stuff and I couldn’t walk more than that” (Rose, 1st pregnancy, Overweight BMI)

Women also reduced or stopped routine activities due to physical limitations making some activities more difficult. A few women also identified that their pregnancy related disorders, such as Symphysis Pubis Dysfunction (SPD) prevented their usual activities.

Tiredness

“I mean it is hard to explain why activity decreased […] when I come home I’m tired and I really don’t want to be getting organised and going swimming or going for a walk” (Debra, 2nd pregnancy, Recommended BMI)

Women reported juggling occupational work with family commitments, resulting in physical and mental tiredness.

Time limitations

“I do find it, I would find it difficult to go out and do a proper exercise routine, because I just physically don’t have the time I don’t get in much until 6pm and I leave the house at 6 am,” (Michelle, 2nd pregnancy, Overweight BMI)

Women felt that their work and family commitments left them little time to participate in structured physical activity.

Lack of services and costs

“I think there should be more free classes available for pregnant people [] whereas when you are pregnant they don’t have free passes, and yet they have free passes for other people under 16 and over 65’s, although they are telling you that is good for you” (May, 1st pregnancy, Recommended BMI)

Some women identified a lack of subsidised or targeted services specifically tailored for pregnant women.

Environmental barriers

“It’s hard when you’re pregnant to find like an exercise that is suitable for you. I mean they do say do your walk, and obviously … a lot of that is like weather permitted” (Debra, 2nd pregnancy, Recommended BMI)

Bad weather conditions, lack of adequate transport and family support were restrictive to physical activity.