Perinatal period is a critical window for supporting women’s long-term health and well-being. Despite clear benefits and established guidelines, physical activity often declines during this time, increasing the risk of preventable issues such as urinary incontinence and reduced quality of life. This study assessed the effectiveness of exercise and physical activity interventions for urinary incontinence, physical activity and quality of life among pregnant and postpartum women to support maternal health.

This research consisted of three sub-studies. Sub-study I was a review of reviews (n=9) conducted to summarize existing evidence about the effectiveness of exercise interventions for urinary incontinence and pelvic organ prolapse in pregnant and postpartum women, and to formulate recommendations for health care professionals. Sub-studies II (n=297) and III (n=48) were quasi-experimental studies aiming to assess the effectiveness of two different technology-supported exercise and physical activity interventions for urinary incontinence (sub-study II), physical activity and quality of life (sub-studies II and III) during the perinatal period.

The highest level of evidence supported the effectiveness of prenatal exercise in preventing postpartum urinary incontinence, while moderate-level evidence indicated that these interventions likely reduce the symptoms and severity of urinary incontinence. Based on the findings, the participants’ urinary incontinence symptoms decreased, and physical activity increased after the interventions. Minor improvements were observed in the physical health domain of quality of life, with no changes in psychological, social, or environmental domains. The findings suggest that physical activity interventions, including those supported by digital health technologies, may be effective in managing urinary incontinence and supporting physical activity. However, improving overall quality of life in the perinatal period likely requires broader, multidimensional strategies. The findings emphasize the need for developing comprehensive, accessible, and multidisciplinary approaches to women’s health and call for holistic perspectives in future perinatal research.