Grant: CIHR Fellowship

Physical activity during pregnancy (i.e., prenatal physical activity) has been associated with significant health benefits, including reduced risk of gestational hypertension, caesarean delivery, and depression. However, no studies examining prenatal physical activity have involved persons with a disability. Consequently, there is a lack of information to support physical activity among pregnant persons with a disability. Poor maternal health may lead to long term consequences for pregnant persons that reduce quality of life and increase burden on the healthcare system. Thus, research is needed that investigates physical activity among persons with a disability, as they are at an increased risk for adverse outcomes. The proposed postdoctoral research will use a mixed methods approach to describe, evaluate, and understand prenatal PA behaviours and health outcomes among pregnant persons with a disability compared to persons without a disability. A questionnaire will be administered to examine the influence of prenatal physical activity on the health of pregnant persons with and without a disability. The questionnaire will collect data on demographic factors, physical activity (e.g., duration, intensity), and health outcomes (e.g., depression, mode of delivery). Following the questionnaire, a qualitative study will be conducted using semi-structured interviews. This study will provide a deeper understanding of participants' knowledge, attitudes, practices, and experiences with prenatal physical activity. Understanding experiences with physical activity will assist in developing preventative health interventions that integrate prenatal physical activity to support maternal health among diverse people. The proposed studies will contribute knowledge regarding the impact of physical activity among pregnant persons with a disability, as well as how physical activity could be encouraged and supported over the prenatal period to maximize the health of pregnant persons.