Assessment of Physical Activity and Anxiety Levels According to Gestational Periods in Pregnant Women

Objective: The purpose of this study was to evaluate physical activity and anxiety levels in pregnant women at gestational periods of pregnancy and to examine the relationship between these two factors.Materials and Methods: A total of 150 pregnant women receiving care at XXX University Training and Research Hospital were included in this study. Participants completed a sociodemographic questionnaire, the Pregnancy Physical Activity Questionnaire (PPAQ), and the Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI). Statistical significance was accepted as p < 0.05.Results: The mean total physical activity of the participants was found to be 274.05 ± 120.15 MET-hours per week (50.92-728.92). The majority of pregnant women were observed to engage in light intensity activities (121.62 MET-hours/week), with housework/care activities being the most common (143.18 MET-hours/week). 25.3% of the participants reported mild anxiety, 12% moderate anxiety, and 1.3% severe anxiety. Anxiety levels were significantly higher among those in their second trimester, those in their fourth or subsequent pregnancies, those with chronic diseases, those undergoing assisted reproductive treatment, those who were not advised to exercise by a doctor, and those who believed that exercise was not beneficial during pregnancy (p0.05).Conclusion: The study found that pregnant women predominantly participated in light intensity activities, with no significant difference observed between trimesters. Anxiety levels were highest in those with chronic illnesses and in the second trimester. No significant association was found between physical activity and anxiety levels during pregnancy.