Researchers
will use real-life stories to create accessible advice on physical activity
during motherhood
There
is strong evidence that regular physical activity can provide
health benefits for pregnant mums and their babies, and beyond into motherhood.
However, many women do not meet the recommended guidelines for physical
activity during or after pregnancy.
Research
suggests that the existing guidelines and advice on physical activity in
pregnancy are not accessible enough for mothers and mums-to-be, and can even cause confusion.
A
survey has now been launched by a GW4 research consortium to capture the views
and experiences of mothers and mums-to-be of physical activity (or inactivity)
throughout motherhood. What new challenges are presented by motherhood, and how
useful do women find the current guidelines for being active during pregnancy?
This
evidence will be used to develop engaging resources that combine existing
medical guidelines with the real-life stories of mothers and mums-to-be. The
researchers behind the ‘Moving through Motherhood’ project have worked with a
mothers group in Exeter to create the survey, and will continue to work with
them and a graphic designer to develop the resources based on the experiences
of mothers across the UK.
Co-lead
researcher, Dr Victoria Salmon, University of Exeter, said: “Evidence-based
guidelines are in place to provide advice on the optimum level of physical
activity throughout motherhood. However, often this guidance is not targeted at
the ‘end users’ themselves: mothers and mums-to-be. Many women also receive conflicting
or confusing advice from friends, family members and even health workers on the
safest ways to stay active throughout pregnancy and beyond.
We
want to hear from mothers and mums-to-be on their views and experiences of
physical activity during pregnancy: were they able to be active, what worked
for them, what didn’t and how this relates to the existing guidelines. We will
use this data to create relevant, engaging and accessible resources on physical
activity that can be shared through social media, posted in children’s centres
and discussed in doctors’ surgeries.”
The
research team will be promoting the survey through online forums such as The
Motherload to encourage mothers and mums-to-be to share their experiences.
The
survey is open until 22 December 2017, although may close earlier if enough
responses are received. Mothers and mums-to-be across the UK, with a particular
focus on the South West, are encouraged to share their experiences.
The
‘Moving through Motherhood’ project has been supported by the GW4 Crucible seed
corn funding scheme, and brings together researchers from the University of
Bath, University of Exeter and Leicester University.
The
survey is available at: https://bathreg.onlinesurveys.
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