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Objective Excess gestational weight gain (GWG) is associated with adverse long and short-term outcomes for both woman and child, yet evidence demonstrates pregnant women are frequently not engaging in healthy behaviours linked to appropriate weight gain. The purpose of the current study was to explore women's values and beliefs related to weight, nutrition and physical activity during pregnancy and to describe how these beliefs influence their behaviours. Methods As part of a larger randomized controlled trial, we conducted 20 focus groups with 66 pregnant women between 16 and 24-weeks gestation using a semi-structured interview guide. Focus groups were recorded and transcribed verbatim and analyzed using a grounded theory approach. Results Three personal health schemas emerged from the findings which illustrated women's diverging beliefs about their health behaviours in pregnancy. 'Interconnected health' described beliefs regarding the impact their health had on that of their growing baby and awareness of risks associated with inappropriate weight gain. 'Gestational weight gain as an indicator of health' illustrated perceptions regarding how GWG impacted health and the utility of guidelines. Finally, 'Control in pregnancy' described the sense of agency over one's body and health. Conclusions for Practice Our results showed that health-related behaviours in pregnancy are driven by personal health schemas which are often discordant with clinical evidence. Interventions and health care provider advice aimed at behaviour modification would benefit from first understanding and addressing these schemas. Tackling the conflict between beliefs and behaviour may improve health outcomes associated with appropriate weight gain in pregnancy., Author(s): Beth Murray-Davis [sup.1] , Lindsay N. Grenier [sup.1] , Stephanie A. Atkinson [sup.2] , Michelle F. Mottola [sup.3] , Olive Wahoush [sup.4] [sup.5] , Lehana Thabane [sup.2] [sup.6] [sup.7] [...]

This cross-sectional study examined students' perspectives on the ramifications of obesity being recognized as a chronic disease in Canada. Undergraduate and graduate students (n = 150) in health-related programs at a major Canadian university. An online survey featured open-ended questions to capture student perspectives on recognizing obesity as a disease. Data were evaluated using content analysis methods. Positive themes identified included: (a) treatment accessibility; (b) improved healthcare provider attitudes; (c) de-stigmatization of obesity; (d) promotion of health behaviors; and (e) greater research/funding. Negative themes included potential: (a) healthcare system burdens; (b) perpetuation of obesity stigma; (c) medicalization of obesity; and (d) de-emphasis on modifiable risk factors as contributing to obesity. There is a need to increase students' understanding of the multifaceted nature of obesity and the prevention of obesity-related stigma within healthcare. Findings may inform post-secondary health curricula and obesity initiatives. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Women who have an overweight or obese pre-pregnancy body mass index (BMI) may be recommended to lose weight before pregnancy, however the association of preconception weight fluctuations and prenatal adherence to nutrition and exercise recommendations with gestational weight gain (GWG) have not been assessed. One hundred women with a pre-pregnancy BMI [greater than or equal to] 25.0 kg/m.sup.2 who participated in the Nutrition and Exercise Lifestyle Intervention Program (NELIP) were included and stratified as gained weight excessively (n = 47) or not (n = 53) using the 2009 Institute of Medicine GWG guidelines. Participants completed a Weight Health History Questionnaire providing information about weight loss prior to the index pregnancy. Adherence was scored based on meeting six nutrition and exercise goals for the NELIP (/6). More women who gained excessively reported that they had actively tried to lose weight a year before the current pregnancy (61%) than women who did not gain excessively (39%; p = 0.02). Of the women attempting preconception weight loss, those who gained excessively lost more weight (6.7 ± 10.2 kg) than women who did not (2.1 ± 3.8 kg; p = 0.003). Adherence to the NELIP was lower among women who gained excessively (3.3 ± 0.8; 55%) than those who did not (4.4 ± 0.9;73%; p < 0.001). Program adherence (p < 0.001) was related to excessive GWG., Author(s): Taniya S. Nagpal [sup.1] [sup.2] [sup.3] , Harry Prapavessis [sup.2] [sup.3] , Christina G. Campbell [sup.4] , Barbra de Vrijer [sup.5] [sup.6] , Isabelle Giroux [sup.7] , Michelle F. [...]

Pregnant women with absolute contraindications may be advised against physical activity throughout pregnancy. In this context, bed rest elevates the short-term risk of neonatal complications, thereby exacerbating negative long-term effects on childhood development. The aim of the current study was to investigate the impact of various physical activity interventions during bed rest or activity restriction in pregnancy on factors such as birth weight, preterm birth, maternal hypertension, gestational age at delivery, and the incidence of cesarean sections. Following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines, a systematic review was designed. The protocol was registered in the International Prospective Registry of Systematic Reviews (PROSPERO) (CRD42022370875). Nine studies, with a total sample of 3173 women, from six countries on four continents were included. There were significant differences in the relationship between bed rest status and birth weight (Z = 2.64; p = 0.008) (MD = 142.57, 95% CI = 36.56, 248.58, I2 = 0%, Pheterogeneity = 0.45) favourable to active groups. No significant differences were found in other analyzed outcomes. Pregnant women who experience this problem must maintain a minimum of daily activity to alleviate these physiological complications and the medical field must understand the consequences of physical inactivity during pregnancy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lifestyle interventions focusing on prenatal physical activity (PA) and healthy nutritional habits can carry forward into the postpartum period. As many health resources, like PA facilities and postpartum support groups, were inaccessible due to the Coronavirus-19 (COVID-19) pandemic restrictions, it may be plausible that individuals who participated in a prenatal lifestyle intervention continued engaging in positive health behaviours on their own. This study explored experiences of postpartum individuals during the pandemic who had engaged in a prenatal PA and nutrition program prior to COVID-19. Semi-structured interviews were completed with postpartum individuals following a qualitative description approach. The study objectives were to identify and summarize the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on PA and nutritional behaviours postpartum, and the role of previous participation in a prenatal lifestyle intervention, prepandemic, on PA and nutritional habits during postpartum quarantine restrictions. Thirteen participants completed interviews and reported that overall, PA levels stayed the same however, there was a change in PA type, as walking became the prominent choice of PA. Diet became more limited and involved a great deal of meal planning. Participation in a prenatal lifestyle intervention prior to the pandemic positively impacted PA and nutritional habits postpartum during COVID-19 restrictions. Specifically, it enabled individuals to implement walking as a daily PA habit and encouraged important concepts such as mindful eating and meal planning. Prenatal lifestyle interventions can be beneficial in establishing healthy postpartum habits, even during pandemic restrictions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]