Abstract

Pregnancy provides an exciting opportunity to make positive changes to lifestyle. For many, it may be considered a ‘teachable moment’ where women are advised to consider smoking cessation, adjusting dietary habits and abstinence from alcohol. Regular contact with healthcare professionals (HCP) at this time in a woman’s life offers a unique opportunity to facilitate and consolidate desired behaviour change. Thepromotion of behavioural change such as smoking cessation is widespread in everyday practice amongst midwives. However, despite the overwhelming published evidence that regular moderate intensity physical activity (PA) during pregnancy has a positive impact, this lifestyle advice tends to receive less attention [1-3]. Currently, HCPs lack confidence and clarity to deliver this message. There is a need to educate and ensure that all HCPs caring for pregnant women have the knowledge and self-assurance to promote the importance of PA amongst this group.