Lifestyle determinants of health-related quality of life and depression symptoms in women during and after pregnancy

Abstract

Maternal well-being that may be depicted with the prevalence of depression symptoms and an overall health-related quality of life (HRQoL) may contribute to long-term health of both mother and child. The extent to which maternal lifestyle influences depression symptoms and HRQoL are poorly known. The aims of the study were firstly to evaluate the relation of lifestyle determinants (i.e., physical activity and dietary quality) to HRQoL and depression symptoms during and after pregnancy in a nationwide longitudinal cohort. We also evaluated the impacts of maternal socioeconomic factors, body mass index (BMI), and presence of GDM on HRQoL and prevalence of depression symptoms. Pregnant women (n=737) filled in electronic questionnaires on HRQoL (15D instrument), depression symptoms (Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale, EPDS, scores >10 denote clinically relevant depression), physical activity (MET-index) and dietary quality (IDQ, scores <10 denote poor dietary quality) at early and late pregnancy (mean 15 and 37 weeks of gestation) and at postpartum (mean 7 weeks). Higher level of physical activity was associated with better HRQoL at early and late pregnancy, but not at postpartum. Moderate level of physical activity was associated with the lowest depression symptom score at late pregnancy. During pregnancy, poor dietary quality was more common in women with depression symptoms above the clinical cut off point. Our results implicate that higher level of physical activity coupled with better dietary quality during pregnancy likely promote well-being of the women as assessed by 15D score and Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale.