Original scientific paper

Motivation, barriers and attitudes about exercise in pregnancy

Nikolina Zaplatić Degač ; Srednja škola Čakovec, Čakovec
Anica Kuzmić ; Sveučilište Sjever, Varaždin

Abstract

Abstract
Introduction: Physical activity, especially exercising,
plays an enormously important role for a woman’s wellbeing during pregnancy. However, the number of women
engaged in physical activity during pregnancy depends
on the access to information, possible barriers and
motivators and women’s attitudes.
Aim: The aim of this research was to examine which
attitudes are more likely to represent either barriers
or motivation for conducting physical activity during
pregnancy as well as to what extent it is connected with
the labour and its outcome, including the apearance of
pain in pelvic and lower back area.
Materials and methods: 167 women participated in
the survey, having been questioned within the first
three days following their labour. The research used a
questionnaire about motivation, barriers and attitudes
about exercise in pregnancy. The questionnaire include
demographic dana and detection of pain in lumbosacral
area.
Results: The obtained results indicate that the most common barriers to exercise in pregnancy are overwork
at work and at home, and the main motivators are the
improvement of physical and mental status, reduction
of stress and easier labor and recovery from labor. A
high rate of agreement was noted with the claim that
exercise is beneficial in pregnancy. Pregnant women
who are physically active in pregnancy have a lower
frequency and intensity of pain in the lower back and
pelvic region.
Conclusion: Encouraging exercise and physical activity
in pregnancy is necessary for physical preparation for
labor and prevention of pain in the musculoskeletal
system.

Keywords

physical activity, pregnancy, attitudes, low back pain, labour

Hrčak ID:

260334

URI

https://hrcak.srce.hr/260334

Publication date:

25.5.2021.

Article data in other languages: croatian

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