Harare Pregnant Women Urged to Stay Active

Clive Tatenda Makumbe in Zimbabwe

A recent study conducted in Harare has raised concerns about alarmingly low levels of physical activity among pregnant women, with nearly 89% failing to meet the World Health Organization’s (WHO) recommendations for moderate-intensity physical activity during pregnancy.

The research, carried out across ten primary healthcare clinics in the city, paints a worrying picture of maternal health and the challenges to promoting active lifestyles during pregnancy.

The study, led by researchers from the University of Zimbabwe, engaged 517 pregnant women and explored the levels of physical activity, barriers, and facilitators influencing exercise behaviors during pregnancy.

Findings revealed that, the majority of women did not meet the recommended 150 minutes of weekly moderate-intensity exercise.

For those who were active, most of their physical activity was linked to household chores, with structured or leisure activities playing a minimal role.

Anotida Hove, one of the lead researchers, highlighted the critical implications of these findings:

“Pregnancy should be a time when women are encouraged to adopt healthy lifestyle changes. Unfortunately, societal and structural barriers are holding many back, depriving them of the physical and psychological benefits of exercise.”

The study further noted that cultural beliefs and misconceptions were significant barriers to physical activity.

Many pregnant women feared that exercise could increase the risk of miscarriage.

Economic constraints and lack of suitable exercise facilities compounded the problem, particularly in Harare’s high-density suburbs.

“Misconceptions about exercise during pregnancy remain prevalent in our communities,” said Eleanor Sithambuli, a co-author of the study.

“This is further exacerbated by the limited access to safe and affordable exercise facilities, especially for those in resource-constrained settings.”

Education levels also played a pivotal role in physical activity levels. The study found that women with lower education were five times more likely to be inactive compared to those with tertiary education.

The researchers attributed this to a lack of exposure to accurate information on the benefits and safety of exercise during pregnancy.

Hove explained, “Educated mothers are more likely to have access to diverse sources of information and can make informed decisions about maintaining their health during pregnancy.”

The impact of physical inactivity during pregnancy is profound. Inactive pregnant women are at a heightened risk of gestational diabetes, preeclampsia, and complications during delivery. For the fetus, outcomes can include low birth weight and preterm delivery.

Shalom Doyce, another researcher involved in the study, noted, “The consequences of inactivity affect both mother and child. This is a critical public health issue that demands immediate intervention.”

The study also explored possible solutions to increase activity levels among pregnant women in Harare.

Recommendations included community-based programs such as supervised antenatal exercise classes and increased health education campaigns. These efforts would not only dispel myths but also encourage women to stay active.

Dr. Jermaine Dambi, a senior member of the research team, emphasized, “Interventions should focus on creating accessible and safe environments for exercise while also addressing the socio-economic barriers faced by many women.”

One of the participants in the study, a 28-year-old mother-to-be named Chipo, shared her personal challenges: “I would love to exercise more, but with no safe spaces nearby and my workload at home, it’s difficult.”

Another participant, Patience, reflected on her experience with group exercise sessions during her first pregnancy, saying, “Those sessions really helped me. I felt healthier, and my labor was much easier.”

Midwife Clara Muchena, who works at one of Harare’s clinics, stressed the importance of providing structured exercise guidance.

“We see many women who are hesitant to exercise because they are unsure of what is safe. A program where women can be guided by professionals would be transformative.”

The researchers concluded that multi-sectoral efforts are urgently needed to promote physical activity among Zimbabwean pregnant women. “Health education and promotion efforts are low-hanging fruits,” said Hove.

“By leveraging community support and healthcare resources, we can empower women with the tools they need to stay active and healthy.”

As Harare’s pregnant women navigate the challenges of physical inactivity, these findings serve as a call to action for policymakers, healthcare professionals, and communities. Addressing barriers and reshaping societal perceptions of exercise during pregnancy is essential to improving maternal and fetal health outcomes.