1. Introduction Methods References Conclusion Results Midwives understanding of physical activity guidelines during pregnancy Yvonne Hopkinson, Denise M Hill, Simon Fryer, & Lindsey Kilgour School of Sport & Exercise, University of Gloucestershire, UK Regular physical activity (PA) during pregnancy is beneficial for both mother and baby (Gaston, Cramp & Prapavessis, 2012). Current recommendations suggest at least 30 minutes per day of moderate intensity PA is maintained during pregnancy (NICE, 2010). Despite this, women often disengage from PA whilst pregnant, with many who were previously active choosing to become inactive (Nascimento, Surita, & Cecatti, 2012). It has also been reported that women often receive limited guidance from their healthcare provider regarding PA, whilst others are even encouraged to remain sedentary (Clark & Gross, 2004). Evenson and Bradley (2010) also found pregnant women still had misconceptions about PA during pregnancy, and so concluded that more research was needed to explore the advice given by health professionals regarding PA during pregnancy. The purpose of this study was to examine the level of understanding held by midwives regarding PA guidelines and investigate the PA guidance given to women during pregnancy. After institutional ethical approval was granted, 59 UK based Midwives completed an electronic survey to explore their understanding of PA guidelines during pregnancy, and the advice they offered to women in their care. Participants were recruited via social media groups using convenience and snowball sampling. Data were analysed through qualitative content analysis. This study has identified a lack of understanding amongst midwives regarding the NICE guidelines relating to PA during pregnancy. Despite being aware of appropriate sources of information to answer questions, this is not translating into accurate knowledge being passed to women. There also appears to be an over-confidence amongst midwives regarding their knowledge in this area - which is clearly, misplaced. Further research is warranted to explore the communication of PA guidance to midwives and pregnant women. Analysis revealed four main themes: Only 5% of midwives correctly identified the PA guidelines for exercise during pregnancy as identified by NICE (2010), NHS and RCOG (2006). Midwives identified that if they had questions regarding PA during pregnancy they would ask colleagues (physiotherapists, midwives & obstetricians) and evidence- based information sources including the NICE guidelines, RCOG and NHS choices. Only 4% of midwives reported having access to CPD in the area of PA guidance. 13% reported self-funding attendance at CPD events to ensure their knowledge was current. Despite only 5% of midwives correctly identifying the PA guidelines, 59% reported they felt confident or very confident in offering guidance in this area. Accuracy of knowledge of guidelines Sources of information Confidence levels Access to continual professional development Figure 1: Accuracy of midwives knowledge of PA guidelines during pregnancy. Figure 2: Sources of information midwives reported as accessing if they had questions regarding PA guidelines during pregnancy. Figure 3: Midwives self-reported confidence levels in answering questions about PA during pregnancy Clark, P.E. & Gross, H. (2004) Women’s behaviour, beliefs and information sources about physical exercise in pregnancy. Midwifery. 20: 133- 141. Evenson, K.R. & Bradley, C.B. (2010) Beliefs about exercise and physical activity among pregnant women. Patient education and counselling. 79: 124-129. Gaston, A., Cramp, A., & Prapavessis, H. (2012) Enhancing self-efficacy and exercise readiness in pregnant women. Psychology of Sport and Exercise, 13: 550-557. Nascimento, S.L., Surita, F.G. & Cecatti, J.G (2012) Physical exercise during pregnancy: a systematic review. Current Opinion in Obstetrics and Gynecology. 24(6): 387-94. NICE (2010) Weight management before, during and after pregnancy. Retrieved from http://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/PH27http://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/PH27 Figure 4: Midwives access to CPD opportunities in the area of PA guidance When offering advice to women regarding PA during pregnancy, midwives frequently identified mode of exercise (walking, swimming, yoga), but did not mention the required frequency or intensity of the activity. Midwives commonly informed women to continue their pre-exercise PA behaviours - whether sedentary or active. Of concern, 28% midwives informed women not to start any new PA - which is in opposition to the guidelines.