PMS58 - The Effect of Physical Activity During Pregnancy on Quality of Life

Abstract

Physicalactivity is one of the most effective factors on having a healthy lifestyle for mother and also her child. The aim of this study was to compare the effects of regular physical activity on quality of life and mental health and to examine thepatterns of physical activity during pregnancy. This quantitative, cross-sectional study was conducted on 165 Hungarian pregnant women. Data were collected through the WHO quality of life questionnaire, Beck Depression Inventor, Beck Anxiety Inventor and a questionnaire including items to assess demographic characteristics, physical activity, and exercise habits. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS 22.0 software. Parametric and non-parametric tests were used to examine the differences.p <0.05 was considered as significant level. The mean age of participants and gestational age of pregnancy were 31 ± 4 years old 36 ± 1 weeks, respectively. In terms of sports habits, 84,1 % of pregnant woman performed the physical activity before pregnancy and 41,8 % of them continued it during the pregnancy. A significant difference was observed between physical activity before pregnancy and the qualification(p = 0.04), but it decreased to the same level during pregnancy. Also, a significant difference was found in mean scores of all of four dimensions of quality of life (p=0.002, p=0.01, p=0.009, p=0.035)and anxiety (p = 0.011) between pregnant women with and without regular physical activity during pregnancy. These findings show that Physical activity can positively influence the quality of life and mental health of pregnant women. It would be advisible to organize education days for mothers to provide accurate and adequate information and to maintain their physical activity and quality of life.