Author(s): FAULKNER, M., CURRIE, S., DEERY, E., Institution: ATLANTIC TECHNOLOGICAL UNIVERSITY, Country: IRELAND, Abstract-ID: 1719

INTRODUCTION:
Physical activity during pregnancy improves maternal physical and mental health, labour and recovery outcomes, and aligns with the World Health Organisation's priorities for maternal wellbeing [1]. Despite established benefits and international guidance, activity levels decline during pregnancy. On the island of Ireland, national guidelines for pregnancy and postpartum physical activity are recent [2], and emerging evidence suggests pregnant individuals often receive inconsistent or inaccurate advice [3]. As maternity healthcare professionals (HCPs) are trusted sources of guidance, understanding their knowledge, experience and confidence is essential to support implementation.
METHODS:
A cross-sectional mixed-methods online survey (52 items) was conducted with HCPs practicing in roles involving contact with pregnant individuals across the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland (June 2024 to June 2025). The survey assessed knowledge of guidelines, experience of delivering advice, confidence, use of tools and training. Descriptive statistics were generated. Open-text responses were examined for contextual insight and coded to identify recurring categories.
RESULTS:
Fifty HCPs (40±9 years) participated. Only 46% (n=23) reported awareness of physical activity guidelines during pregnancy, yet none (0%) accurately identified current recommendations. Fifty-four percent (n=27) were unaware of guidelines. Most respondents (84% n=42) reported raising physical activity in practice, although 30% (n=15) did so conditionally rather than routinely. Overall, 64% (n=32) reported being very or moderately confident in providing advice, while only 6% (n=3) were not confident. Despite reported confidence, 78% (n=39) had never received training in providing physical activity guidance during pregnancy, although 85% (n=33) of those without training expressed a desire for it. The majority were unaware of physical activity measurement (86% n=43) and pre-screening tools (68% n=34), and 86% (n=43) reported not using such tools in practice.
CONCLUSION:
A clear discrepancy exists between HCPs' self-reported confidence and their knowledge of evidence-based physical activity guidelines and tools. Routine maternity care touchpoints represent an underutilised opportunity to promote physical activity, however, inconsistent knowledge and limited training risk perpetuating variable and inaccurate advice. Implementation focused education, aligned with updated national guidelines and embedded within existing maternity care pathways, is needed to support consistent, evidence-based physical activity guidance and support without adding to workforce burden. Strengthening professional capacity in this area may enhance maternal health and wellbeing across the life course.

References
[1]Lez et al 2025 [2]McGrath et al 2025 [3] Faulkner et al 2025