biostudies-literatureUnknown22(1)Silva-Jose C<h4>Background</h4>Prenatal anxiety and depressive symptoms have significantly increased since the onset of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic In addition, home confinement regulations have caused a drastic increase in time spent sedentary. Online group fitness classes may be an effective strategy that can increase maternal physical activity levels and improve mental health outcomes by providing an opportunity for social connectedness. The present study explores the experiences of pregnant women who participated in an online group exercise program during the pandemic and identifies relationships with maternal mental health and well-being. In addition, we present person-informed recommendations on how to improve the delivery of future online prenatal exercise programs.<h4>Methods</h4>Semi-BMC pregnancy and childbirth251https://www.ebi.ac.uk/biostudies/studies/S-EPMC8953965biostudies-literatureThe 'new normal' includes online prenatal exercise: exploring pregnant women's experiences during the pandemic and the role of virtual group fitness on maternal mental health.PMC8953965Mottola MFBarakat RSilva-Jose CNagpal TSCoteron JfalseThe 'new normal' includes online prenatal exercise: exploring pregnant women's experiences during the pandemic and the role of virtual group fitness on maternal mental health.<h4>Background</h4>Prenatal anxiety and depressive symptoms have significantly increased since the onset of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic In addition, home confinement regulations have caused a drastic increase in time spent sedentary. Online group fitness classes may be an effective strategy that can increase maternal physical activity levels and improve mental health outcomes by providing an opportunity for social connectedness. The present study explores the experiences of pregnant women who participated in an online group exercise program during the pandemic and identifies relationships with maternal mental health and well-being. In addition, we present person-informed recommendations on how to improve the delivery of future online prenatal exercise programs.<h4>Methods</h4>Semi-2022-01-01T00:00:00Z2022 Mar2025-05-18T12:32:11.064Z2025-04-06T12:04:53.955ZS-EPMC89539653533728010.1186/s12884-022-04587-1