Experiences of healthcare professionals providing physical activity advice to pregnant and postpartum women: a systematic review of qualitative evidence.

ABSTRACT:

Objective

To synthesise global qualitative evidence on healthcare professionals' (HCPs) experiences, barriers and enablers in delivering physical activity (PA) advice to pregnant and postpartum women.

Design

Systematic review of qualitative, mixed-methods and multimethod studies, using thematic synthesis. Study quality was assessed using the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence critical appraisal checklist.

Data sources

Three electronic databases were searched up to 31 July 2024.

Eligibility criteria for selecting studies

Studies published after 2010 with a qualitative component exploring HCPs' perspectives on providing PA advice in maternity care. Only qualitative data were extracted and synthesised.

Results

Twenty-six studies from 10 count

SUBMITTER: Mitra M 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12778346 | biostudies-literature | 2026

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature