Investigating the physical activity habits and apparel choices of perinatal women

Background: This study investigates the physical activity and apparel choices of perinatal women. The perinatal period involves significant anatomical, physiological, and biomechanical changes as the body prepares to carry and deliver a child, and the recovery process which follows. Despite the recognised benefits of physical activity returning to physical activity postpartum can be difficult.

Methods: 106 postpartum women completed an online questionnaire, exploring women’s physical activity habits before, during, and after pregnancy, along with their use of activewear/compression aids during this time. Statistical analyses, including chi-squared tests, investigated the relationship between initiation of physical activity postpartum (by and after 12 weeks) and: delivery method (vaginal, c-section, assisted), perineal trauma, activewear purchase, and pre-pregnancy activity level. Thematic analysis was applied to identify themes from participant’s answers.

Results: A vaginal delivery correlated with a higher likelihood of resuming physical activity within 12 weeks postpartum. Moreover, a high level of activity pre-pregnancy was associated with a high level of physical activity postpartum. The study identified key reasons for the cessation of physical activity during pregnancy including, discomfort, tiredness, and misinformation. Barriers hindering the return to physical activity postpartum included discomfort, misinformation, and time constraints. Few participants used compression aids in the postpartum period, with the majority leveraging them to alleviate pain (71%).

Conclusions: This study highlights a crucial gap in utilisation of compression garments
during the postpartum period. Understanding these factors is pivotal in enhancing support for postpartum women in their pursuit of resuming physical activity.