Too Busy To Exercise: Examining Pregnant Women’s Exercise Preferences

Background: Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is diagnosed between 24 and 28 weeks of pregnancy and can usually be managed by healthy diet and exercise. There is currently a lack of clinical consensus regarding exercise prescription for GDM management. The current study aimed to elicit thoughts and feelings about exercise in women with GDM to inform the development of behavioral exercise intervention.

Methods: The research team conducted 20-minute semi-structured interviews with 15 participants. Interview questions were on the description of a typical day, opportunities to engage in exercise, challenges to exercising during pregnancy, exercise preferences during pregnancy, and thoughts about the use of a FitBit to track steps. Interviews were audio-recorded and transcribed using InqScribe v. 2.2.4. (Inquirium, 202). Transcripts were analyzed using descriptive and interpretive coding to identify themes, including analysis of similarities and differences between the women.

Results: The participants varied by marital status, employment status, and family size (i.e., having one or more children in their care). Most of the participants reflected on the complexity of their lives, especially if they were employed and had other children to care for, making exercise difficult. Some of the women suggested that they were already active due to all they did throughout the day though not necessarily engaging in structured exercise. Most expressed motivation for better health and the health of their unborn child.

Conclusions: Anything that simplifies exercise, is convenient, or imparts flexibility is key in the development of an exercise intervention for women with GDM.