Graduation Year
2022
Document Type
Senior Thesis
Degree
Bachelor of Science in Nursing
Primary Major
Nursing
Thesis Advisor
Patricia Harris, PhD, RN, CNS
Abstract
Exercise is an important lifestyle habit to include in one's daily routine. Remaining physical activity during pregnancy is important. According to the CDC, pregnant women should, “Get at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity during pregnancy and the postpartum period.” (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2021). This paper will encompass a range of topics that highlight the benefits of exercise from a physiological as well as a mental health standpoint. Although more research needs to be conducted to solidify the benefits of exercise, the articles that were collected demonstrate how it can help mothers have a healthy pregnancy.
Future research should focus on making exercise more accessible to mothers in order for them to follow through with an exercise regimen. A proposal for further research will be explored to help women become more active during pregnancy. This proposal will be looking at how online prenatal exercise programs help pregnant women become more active during pregnancy. An online program can help make exercise more convenient for mothers, especially since many women struggle with other obligations. Through an online program, women will be able to have access to workout routines specifically designed for pregnant women. This study will take place in the Bay Area and have a sample size of 100 participants. The study will be a qualitative and quantitative study with the utilization of questionnaires and interviews. Thematic analysis and descriptive statistics will be used to understand any correlations between the groups.