Understanding And Involving The Perspective Of Women As Consumers When Designing The Framework Of Future E-health And Exercise Interventions During Pregnancy

PURPOSE: To understand and involve the perspective of pregnant women, as consumers, for the co-design of a pregnancy-specific app and e-health real-world intervention focused on exercise during pregnancy. METHODS: We invited pregnant women (n = 105) to reply to a questionnaire to improve the understanding on their physical activity pattern, needs, and preferences regarding the use of apps. RESULTS: Main results showed that 36.2% of women did not practice any type of exercise during pregnancy. Women preferred to practice exercise in a gym (69.5%), outdoors (44.8%) or at home (39%). Most women (93.3%) have already used or currently use a fitness app, however, 89.5% of women never used any pregnancy-specific app. Most women agreed that it is important to have a specific app for pregnancy to: improve knowledge about recommendations for an active and healthy lifestyle, have direct contact with health and exercise professionals, have social interaction with other mothers, provide guidance on preparation for childbirth, and prepare for postpartum recovery. CONCLUSIONS: These findings allow us to better understand the perspectives of pregnant women and allow us to include their perspective as consumers to improve the design and co-create a pregnancy-specific app and a future e-health intervention focused on exercise during pregnancy.