Physical activity and mood during pregnancy

Area of Science:

• Obstetrics and Gynecology
• Exercise Physiology
• Maternal Health

Background:

• Physical activity (PA) monitoring during pregnancy is crucial for maternal and fetal well-being.
• Understanding the relationship between PA levels and mood changes throughout pregnancy is essential for supportive care.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare the validity of three distinct physical activity (PA) measurement tools in pregnant women.
• To investigate the correlation between changes in PA and mood states during pregnancy.

Main Methods:

• A cohort of 12 pregnant women (PW) and 12 matched nonpregnant women (NPW) were studied over seven months.
• Total weekly energy expenditure (TWEE) was assessed monthly via physical activity diary (PAD) and recall interview (PAR), alongside 3-day accelerometer wear.
• Mood assessments were conducted concurrently with PA measures, analyzed using a two-factor mixed-model ANOVA.

Main Results:

• Physical activity recall (PAR) and accelerometer (MTI counts) showed moderate positive correlations with physical activity diary (PAD) TWEE in both groups.
• Pregnant women experienced a significant 23% decrease in accelerometer-measured PA from weeks 12-36, compared to a 5% decrease in nonpregnant women.
• While mood scores fluctuated, changes in PA did not correlate with mood changes in either pregnant or nonpregnant participants.

Conclusions:

• The 7-day physical activity recall (PAR) and accelerometer show promise as valid PA assessment tools during pregnancy.
• Sustaining above-average physical activity levels in the second and third trimesters may contribute to mood stability in healthy pregnant women.