How should we talk to pregnant women about physical activity? A scoping review of physical activity during pregnancy communication by healthcare professionals in the UK

TL;DR

This study reviews how healthcare professionals in the UK communicate physical activity advice to pregnant women, finding that advice is often inconsistent and lacks clarity.

Contribution

The study provides a scoping review of communication practices and identifies gaps in how physical activity is discussed during pregnancy.

Findings

Healthcare professionals often lack the knowledge and time to provide effective physical activity advice to pregnant women.

Pregnant women perceive physical activity as dangerous and receive minimal or contradictory advice from healthcare professionals.

Clear, non-judgmental communication about the benefits of physical activity during pregnancy is desired by pregnant women.

Abstract

Research is needed to provide healthcare professionals (HCPs) with guidance on how to best communicate with pregnant women about physical activity (PA). This study aimed to answer: what is known about PA communication between HCPs and pregnant women in the UK?

Design: scoping review, adhering to established guidance (including the PRISMA-ScR). Research questions were informed by the Physical Activity Messaging Framework (PAMF). Relevant studies were identified by searching electronic databases and contacting key stakeholders. All studies were double screened. The data extracted included findings related to concepts within the PAMF. The results were presented in a descriptive numerical analysis and a narrative summary.

Twenty-one studies were included. 81% were from England, and 71% involved solely qualitative methods. HCPs lack the knowledge and time required to provide PA advice, and stigma around weight prevents communication. Pregnant women feel that PA during pregnancy is dangerous and have low knowledge of the guidelines and benefits of PA. Many do not receive PA advice from HCPs, and where they do, it is minimal, contradictory, confusing, inconsistent, and negative. Tailored information and clear advice on what is safe, delivered using non-judgemental tones is desired. Pregnant women view HCPs as important messengers.

HCPs should address the perception that PA is dangerous by communicating relevant information from PA guidelines and highlighting wide-ranging benefits of PA during pregnancy (including benefits to mental health). Communication should be non-judgmental, clear and consistent. HCPs should be supported and trained to provide PA advice as part of their role.

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