Physical Activity Advice, Attitudes, and Participation in Women Following a Miscarriage

Miscarriage is the most common adverse pregnancy outcome and is associated with increased depression and anxiety. Although physical activity is known for its benefits on physical and mental health in various populations, the evidence in women following a miscarriage is lacking. The aim of the study is to understand physical activity advice provided to women following a miscarriage, assess current physical activity levels, and identify women’s attitudes toward physical activity following a miscarriage.

Methods

A cross-sectional survey consisting of 21 questions across 5 subsections of demographics, pregnancy loss experience, physical activity advice, physical activity participation, and research participation was used. Participation was opened to all Australian women who had ever experienced a miscarriage.

Results

Seventy-seven surveys were complete and suitable for analysis. Most participants (82%; n = 63) reported receiving no physical activity guidance following their miscarriages and said that they would like physical activity advice specific to their experiences (84%; n = 65). The proportion of women who do not meet the recommended physical activity guideline increased from prepregnancy (32%) to following a miscarriage (83%) and continued to be higher (59%) than it was prepregnancy. Commonly identified barriers to physical activity included feeling mentally/emotionally unprepared, not being physically able to perform, concerns about causing miscarriage, and lack of time.

Conclusion

This study strongly supports the need for further research into appropriate physical activity guidelines for women following a miscarriage. There is a clear unmet need in this population who are being disadvantaged by the current lack of support and guidance.

Keywords: maternal health; early pregnancy loss; exercise

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FIGURE 1.

(A and B) Visual analog scale response to “I was provided sufficient physical activity advice/information” (A) and “I think there are sufficient PA advice/information following a miscarriage” (B).

FIGURE 2.

Self-reported activity levels at 2 months prepregnancy, during pregnancy, 2 months following pregnancy, and currently.

Contributor Notes

Address for correspondence: Vivian Lee, Level 18, International Tower 3, 300 Barangaroo Avenue, New South Wales 2000, Australia; +61 2 8052 4370; vlee1@georgeinstitute.org.au

Conflicts of Interest and Source of Funding: The authors declare that there is no conflict of interest for any aspect of this manuscript.