Table 3.
Salient behavioral, normative, and control beliefs for meeting physical activity recommendations during pregnancy (N = 189)
| Beliefs | N | % | Participant quote |
|---|---|---|---|
| Behavioral beliefs—advantages | |||
| Easier labor and delivery | 86 | 45.5 | Maintain strength and flexibility, which may make for an easier labor, delivery, and recover |
| Manages weight gain | 72 | 38.1 | It helps to maintain healthy weight gain |
| Health benefits for mother | 58 | 30.7 | Healthier mom |
| Improves fitness | 49 | 25.9 | Stay fit during pregnancy |
| Psychological benefits | 47 | 24.9 | Mood lifted by working out |
| Health benefits for baby | 42 | 22.2 | Has been shown to be beneficial to the baby’s growth and intelligence |
| Faster postpartum recovery | 37 | 19.6 | A body in shape before birth is easier to get in shape after birth |
| Increases energy | 23 | 12.2 | Keeps energy levels up |
| Behavioral beliefs—disadvantages | |||
| Causes fatigue | 64 | 33.9 | I can’t do as much without becoming very fatigued |
| Requires time | 35 | 18.5 | Time commitment |
| Causes aches or pains | 33 | 17.5 | Increase in back pain and increase in Braxton hicks during and after exercise |
| Potential for injury | 15 | 7.9 | Feeling nervous about doing something unsafe |
| Normative beliefs | |||
| Husband or partner | 140 | 74.1 | My husband is great at encouraging me to exercise more, regardless of me being pregnant |
| Doctor | 67 | 35.4 | As long as my doctor is supportive of the amount I am working out, I will continue |
| Parents | 48 | 25.4 | My mom and I walk together |
| Friends | 30 | 15.9 | Trusted friends |
| Children | 19 | 10.1 | My toddler—he won’t let me sit down |
| Control beliefs—barriers | |||
| Lack of time | 112 | 59.3 | Time constraints |
| Fatigue | 92 | 48.7 | Being extremely tired |
| Pain | 37 | 19.6 | Back and hip pain |
| Bad weather | 31 | 16.4 | The winter was cold so it was hard to get outside to walk or exercise |
| Aches/pains | 21 | 11.1 | Discomfort and aches related to pregnancy |
| Nausea | 20 | 10.6 | First trimester fatigue and nausea make it difficult |
| Control beliefs—enablers | |||
| Social support | 60 | 31.7 | Companionship during exercise outings |
| More time | 39 | 20.6 | If I had more time |
| Access | 29 | 15.3 | Access to a fitness facility |
| Good weather | 20 | 10.6 | Nice weather to encourage me to get outside |
| Planning ahead | 19 | 10.1 | Planning ahead—setting alarm, setting out clothes, etc. |
| Enjoyment | 16 | 8.5 | I enjoy exercising and want to be fit |