Perceived Benefits and Barriers to Prenatal and Postpartum Exercises Among Child Bearing Women in Kano, Nigeria

Abstract

BACKGROUNDPregnancy is a stressful phenomenon experienced by women, during which the body experiences dramatic anatomical, physiological, and psychological changes.AIMThe study examined perceived benefits and barriers to prenatal and postpartum exercises among pregnant women in Kano.METHODSThe study was a descriptive survey in which 400 consenting pregnant women attending antenatal clinic were recruited for a period of 3 months (November 2019 to January 2020, using systematic random sampling technique. A structured interviewer-administered questionnaire was utilized to elicit responses and the data obtained was analyzed using descriptive statistics of mean, standard deviation, and frequency distribution.RESULTSFindings showed that the respondents have a mean age of 26.86 ± 5.4 years which ranges from 17–47 years. Prenatal exercises may be associated with the prevention of excessive weight gain and/or gestational diabetes and/or preeclampsia. The study further revealed that most of the respondents agreed that postpartum exercises prevents vaginal and uterine prolapse and urinary incontinence, helps in losing post pregnancy body weight and prevents diastasis recti abdominis. The major barriers identified included lack of access to facilities, lack of family support, and cultural factors.CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATIONThe study concludes that there is a positive perception of the benefits of prenatal and postpartum exercises and therefore, recommends that maternity care givers should provide accurate, adequate, and relevant information and advocate increased social and family support.