Lay summary
Smoking during pregnancy is harmful for the mother, the unborn child, and their whanau, with high rates among Maori women. Establishing ways to reduce smoking rates in pregnancy is essential. Exercise has been proposed as a strategy to help pregnant smokers to quit. Before conducting a randomised,controlled trial to assess the effectiveness of such an approach, key feasibility issues need to be addressed. We will conduct focus groups with Maori pregnant women, and key stakeholder interviews, to determine their opinions on an exercise programme to aid smoking cessation for Maori pregnant women. We will also determine the type and intensity of exercise that is most appropriate, as well as how best to recruit participants. The proposed research will have a direct impact on the health of Maori women and their children, and lead to reduced prevalence of smoking during pregnancy, reducing associated health risks for both mother and child.