Pedagogical innovation to promote physical activity in pregnancy: Interprofessional and real-life settings on the example of the educational program Move Your Baby

INTRODUCTION: Despite scientific evidence on health benefits of an active lifestyle during and after pregnancy, a gap still exists between current and recommended practice in physical activity counselling. Undergraduate education in midwifery is fundamental for physical activity promotion in professional practice. The aim of this article is to present pedagogical aspects, preliminary results and discuss the relevance of the educational program Move Your Baby. METHODS: Between 2018 and 2020, 23 midwifery students (BSc) participated in the program at the School of Health Sciences (HESAV), HES-SO University of Applied Sciences and Arts Western, Lausanne, Switzerland. Theoretical and practical workshops as well as adapted physical activity sessions, in direct contact with pregnant women, were offered and supervised by professional midwives and one expert in adapted physical activity. Data analysis based on an exploratory self-administered questionnaire was performed to rate pedagogical effectiveness, perceived skill level and identify barriers and facilitators to promote physical activity in their future profession. RESULTS: Midwifery students perceived improvement in their knowledge, skills and confidence to promote physical activity during pregnancy. They rated the program as pedagogically effective. However, several barriers were identified such as lack of time and material resources to promote physical activity in professional practice. CONCLUSIONS: This community-oriented educational program based on interplay of theory, hands-on experience and interprofessional collaboration was rated successful. Teaching physical activity in real-life settings facilitates midwifery students to identify with their professional role in the field of health promotion. Midwifery students require more opportunities to promote physical activity in their professional practice.