Physical Activity for Pregnant Women with Diabetes

Many pregnant women have pregestational diabetes or develop gestational diabetes (GDM), which is on the rise annually. Physical activity (PA) combined with nutrition is a first-line treatment for managing blood sugars. Less than 40% of women achieve 150 minutes of exercise per week during pregnancy. High-quality evidence from literature research reveals that education about physical activity recommendations and instructions on achieving 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise most days of the week benefits GDM women. The Self-Efficacy Theory concepts will help apply the evidence to a clinical universal practice change. The practice change will be implemented using the Iowa Model of Evidence-Based Practice to Promote Quality Care. This underscores the importance of integrating physical activity into prenatal care to optimize maternal and fetal health outcomes. Providers within a women’s health clinic at a federally qualified health center organization were educated on the universal practice change piloted program. Providers offered a structured four-week walking plan to diabetic pregnant women that is set to guide participants towards a gradual increase in PA to the recommended 150 minutes per week by the fourth week. Using descriptive statistics, the results show that the walking plan had an impact on walking minutes, and a gradual increase in exercise is sustainable. The addition of a walking plan in diabetic prenatal care is an effective strategy for meeting PA recommendations during pregnancy.