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Theoretical Basis
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Self-efficacy refers to an individual’s situation-specific self-confidence and is an

important factor regarding motivation to participate in physical activity (Dzewaltowski, 1989).

As such, it is important for pregnant women to achieve adequate levels of physical activity-

related self-efficacy to maintain physical activity participation throughout the nine-month span

of pregnancy, as well as during the postpartum period. The four components of Bandura’s Self-

Efficacy Theory are past performance, vicarious experiences, social persuasion, and

physiological arousal (Lox, Martin, & Petruzzello, 2003). In the present Pump the Bump

pregnancy and physical activity intervention, pregnant women will be encouraged to overcome

the barriers associated with exercise adherence during pregnancy via a youtube-based at-home

exercise program. All pregnant women with internet access will have access to the intervention,

but pregnant UnityPoint Health Dubuque members will have additional resources including

access to a question forum on the UnityPoint member portal and access to a Loras College

kinesiology student contact. Thus, informational and behavioral support mechanisms will be put

in place. Also, the opportunity for vicarious experiences will be presented as participants watch

pregnant models in the video complete the exercise tasks successfully. (Lox, Martin, &

Petruzzello, 2003).

Exercises will be modeled on the video series with step-by-step instructions and will be

based upon activities safe for each trimester of pregnancy. For instance, pelvic floor exercises

assist in the birthing process, and mastery of correct muscle contraction is significantly

associated with compliance to continued exercise in pregnant women (Whitford & Jones, 2011).
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Thus, simple, clear videos that demonstrate successful performance of pelvic floor exercises will

likely influence at-home adherence to prescribed exercises during the latter trimesters of

pregnancy. As participants must be cleared to participate in the program by their primary health

provider, in-person follow-up questions or portal-based inquiries will provide a framework of

informational support.

DaCosta and Ireland (2013) found that prenatal self-efficacy to exercise yielded

improved exercise-related self-efficacy during pregnancy, as well as improving perception of the

benefits of physical activity during pregnancy (as opposed to barriers). However, increased

antenatal self-efficacy to exercise was significantly associated with greater perceived leisure-

time physical activity benefits regardless of prior adherence to regular exercise (DaCosta &

Ireland, 2013). This finding supports the importance of emphasizing the benefits and feasibility

of exercising while pregnant in the video series. Modified versions of the exercises will be

shown on the video so as to maximize self-efficacy outcomes for pregnant subjects (regardless of

level of physical activity prior to pregnancy or enrollment in the study).

In addition to the Self-Efficacy Theory, the Theory of Planned Behavior has established

ground in prior pregnancy and physical activity research. It will thus be employed to promote

healthy exercise adherence during pregnancy and in the postpartum period. Downs and

Hausenblas (2003) determined, in a study involving 89 pregnant subjects, that intention and

attitude predicted exercise behavior during pregnancy even more than perceived behavioral

control.

A combination of behavioral and social intervention techniques will be applied to the

Pump the Bump antenatal exercise intervention program so as to maximize the benefits of the

Self-Efficacy Theory and the Theory of Planned Behavior.