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Description
Accessibility and inclusivity are essential components of contemporary urban planning, yet urban transportation systems often fall short in addressing the specific needs of pregnant women. This study explores how urban accessibility, focusing on walkability and public transportation, influences the mobility, health, and well-being of expectant mothers, contributing to evidence-based urban planning strategies that promote inclusivity and sustainability.
Research highlights the public health benefits of active transportation modes, including walking, cycling, and public transit, which encourage physical activity and reduce reliance on private vehicles (Yang et al., 2012). Physical activity during pregnancy is associated with improved maternal and fetal health outcomes, including reduced risks of complications and enhanced birth outcomes (Berghella & Saccone, 2017). Pregnant women living in walkable communities engage in higher levels of physical activity, yet physical activity often declines significantly during early pregnancy due to physical and psychological changes (Skreden et al., 2015; Conway & Menclova, 2023). Walking, as a popular, convenient, and accessible form of exercise, offers unique opportunities for pregnant women to integrate health-promoting behaviors into their daily transportation routines, provided the urban environment supports such activities (Connolly et al., 2019).
This study seeks to address the following research questions:
1. How do pregnant women experience urban transportation systems?
2. What changes occur in their transportation experiences before and during pregnancy?
3. To what extent do public transport and pedestrian infrastructure meet the needs of pregnant women?
4. What barriers hinder their mobility, and what design recommendations can address these issues?
Using a hybrid methodology, this research includes field observations, focus groups, and experiential data collection in the cities of Istanbul and Lisbon. Participants will be recruited through snowball sampling and categorized by pregnancy trimester and neighborhood characteristics. This approach provides in-depth insights into daily mobility patterns, the barriers pregnant women face, and the inclusivity of existing transportation systems.
Preliminary findings suggest that improved walkability and public transport access can mitigate physical inactivity, stress, and social isolation during pregnancy, promoting healthier outcomes for mothers and infants (Laverty et al., 2013; Conway & Menclova, 2023). Furthermore, urban environments that accommodate the unique needs of pregnant women may help reduce stress levels and improve mental well-being, aligning with broader public health objectives (Goodman et al., 2012; Millett et al., 2013).
By integrating geospatial analysis, urban design, and public health research, this study aims to offer practical recommendations for creating inclusive urban spaces that promote active lifestyles and equitable access for individuals with limited mobility. The findings contribute to gender-sensitive urban planning and provide a framework for addressing broader accessibility challenges. Ultimately, this research highlights the critical role of inclusive urban design in fostering sustainable, health-promoting environments.
References
Berghella, V.et al.(2017).Exercise in pregnancy. American Journal of Obstetrics&Gynecology, 216(4), 335–337.
Conway, K.S.,Menclova, A.K.(2023).You’ll never walk alone–The effects of walkability on pregnancy behaviors and outcomes. Economics & Human Biology,50.
Connolly, C.P.et al.(2019). Walking for health during pregnancy: A literature review and considerations for future research.Journal of Sport and Health Science,8(5),401-411.
Goodman, A. et al.(2012). Healthy travel and the socio-economic structure of car commuting in Cambridge, UK: A mixed-methods analysis.Social Science&Medicine,74(12),1929-1938.
Laverty, A.A. et al.(2013). Active Travel to Work and Cardiovascular Risk Factors in the United Kingdom. American Journal of Preventive Medicine,45(3),282-288.
Leyden, K.M.(2003). Social Capital and the Built Environment: The Importance of Walkable Neighborhoods. American Journal of Public Health,93,1546-1551.
Millett, C.et al.(2013). Associations between Active Travel to Work and Overweight, Hypertension, and Diabetes in India: A Cross-Sectional Study.PLoS Med 10(6).
Skreden, M.et al.(2015). Changes in mode of transportation to work or school from pre-pregnancy to early pregnancy in the Norwegian Fit for Delivery study. Preventive Medicine Reports,2,429-435.
Umberson, D.,Montez,J.K.(2010). Social relationships and health: a flashpoint for health policy. Journal of Health and Social Behavior,51,54-66.
Yang, L.et al.(2012).Associations between active commuting and physical activity in working adults: Cross-sectional results from the Commuting and Health in Cambridge study. Preventive Medicine,55(5),453-457.
| Keywords | accessibility; active transportation; mobility; pregnancy; walkability |
|---|---|
| Best Congress Paper Award | Yes |
