Associations between physical activity and prenatal depression and anxiety symptoms: a cross-sectional study.

ABSTRACT: Prenatal depression and anxiety pose a significant threat to maternal and neonatal health. Although physical activity (PA) improves mental wellbeing, its effects across pregnancy stages and relationship with sedentary behavior (SB) are not well understood. This study examined the relationships between PA, SB, and prenatal depression and anxiety, investigating differences throughout gestational stages. In this cross-sectional study, 501 pregnant women aged 18-45 completed the International Physical Activity Questionnaire - Short Form (IPAQ-SF), the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale (CES-D), and the Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7 (GAD-7). Pearson correlations, linear regression, decision tree analysis, and one-way ANOVA were used to analyze associations and group differences.

SUBMITTER: Mu L 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12714648 | biostudies-literature | 2025

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature