Experiences of physical activity and dietary behaviors of Japanese women in urban areas who found pregnant during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Purpose Social life changes caused by the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic have affected the lifestyle of pregnant women, including physical activity and dietary behaviors. However, it remains unclear how social restrictions affect lifestyle. This study aimed to clarify the experiences related to the physical activity and dietary behaviors of Japanese women who found pregnant during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods We conducted a qualitative study involving semi-structured interviews with 19 women two to three months postpartum in Tokyo, Japan, between July and November 2021. We asked participants about their physical activity and dietary behaviors during their pregnancies. Data were analyzed using a qualitative descriptive approach. In this study, "lifestyle" was defined as limited to physical activity and dietary behavior. Results We identified six categories as experiences related to prenatal lifestyle during the COVID-19 pandemic. Pregnancy triggered [lifestyle changes to improve maternal and fetal health while self-isolating to prevent infection], [lifestyle changes due to an increased awareness of the importance of infection prevention compared with before pregnancy], [lifestyle changes to reduce the psychological stress caused by social restrictions], and [lifestyle changes during pregnancy because of the husband's remote work]. Some chose [continuation of a pre-pregnancy lifestyle while implementing infection prevention measures] and [continuation of a lifestyle centered on caring for older children]. Conclusions Japanese women adjust their physical activity and dietary behaviors during pregnancy to reduce the risk of infection, promote maternal and fetal health, and support family members. Considering attitudes toward infectious diseases and infection risks due to living conditions, healthcare professionals must encourage healthier lifestyles when providing pregnant women health guidance during a pandemic. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]