Why are pregnant women physically inactive? A qualitative study on the beliefs and perceptions about physical activity during pregnancy

This study aimed to describe the beliefs and perceptions of pregnant women and healthcare providers about physical activity during pregnancy. Using a qualitative approach, 30 pregnant women and the 14 healthcare providers caring for them were interviewed in the second trimester of pregnancy. We included women who maintained, decreased, or stopped physical activity since becoming pregnant. They were divided into low symbolscript 8 years) and high schooling (> 8 years). Semi-structured, in-depth interviews were conducted and guided by three key questions: specialIntscript When does physical activity during pregnancy start to be considered a wrong behavior?; specialIntscript What are the main barriers (biological or others) to physical activity?; and specialIntscript Do the actions of healthcare providers and people close to pregnant women reinforce barriers? Interviews were au-dio recorded, transcribed, and analyzed based on recurring themes. All women changed their physical activity behavior (decreased or stopped) when they dis-covered their pregnancy. Fear of miscarriage, contractions, bleeding, and of causing malformations in the baby were the most reported reasons for decreas-ing or stopping physical activity. Participants also lacked access to consistent information and healthcare providers' support on the benefits of physical activity. Despite the current international recommendations to regular physical activity during pregnancy, uncertainty regarding its benefits remains. Interventions to promote physical activity during this period should include the training of healthcare providers so they can advise and discard ideas contrary to mother-child health benefits.