Symptoms specific to pregnancy and its relationship with nutritional status, physical activity and social support in pregnant women referring to Tabriz health centers: a cross-sectional study Research and writing

Abstract

Abstract Background Prevention, early detection, and treatment of pregnancy symptoms are essential to prevent adverse effects on women's health and their daily activities. The current study aims to evaluate pregnancy symptoms and the relationship between nutritional factors, physical activity, perceived social support (primary objectives), and socio-demographic and maternal characteristics (secondary objectives) with pregnancy symptoms among pregnant women in Tabriz city in 2022. Method This descriptive-analytical cross-sectional study was conducted among 302 pregnant women (second and third trimester) in Tabriz health centers. The data of this study were collected through the checklists of individual-social characteristics, the Pregnancy Symptoms Inventory (PSI), three-day dietary recall questionnaire, the Pregnancy Physical Activity Questionnaire (PPAQ), and the Multidimensional Perceived Social Support questionnaire. Data were analysed by One-Way ANOVA, Independent t-test, Kruskal–Wallis, Mann–Whitney U, Pearson and Spearman correlation tests. Results The average score of pregnancy symptoms was 29.3 (14.5) from the possible score range of 0 to 123, and the limitation due to the occurrence of symptoms was 13.0 (7.3) from the possible score range of 0 to 82. between mother's age (p=0.002), history of premature birth (p=0.031), history of premenstrual syndrome (p<0.001) and caffeine consumption during pregnancy (p<0.001) with symptoms score Pregnancy had a statistically significant relationship. Also, a statistically significant relationship was observed between the unwanted gender of the fetus and psychological pregnancy symptoms (p=0.046). There was no significant correlation between the total score of social support, total physical activity and its subscales (except sedentary/inactive status) with pregnancy symptoms (p<0.05). There was an inverse and significant correlation between selenium intake through diet and the total score of pregnancy symptoms (p=0.043, r=-0.11). In addition, there was a weak and direct correlation between dietary fat intake and the total score of pregnancy symptoms (p=0.025, r=0.13). Conclusion Women with a history of preterm birth, PMS, consumption of more than one cup of caffeinated beverages per day during pregnancy, and consumption of low-selenium and high-fat diets are more likely to experience pregnancy symptoms. These findings may help design interventions to reduce or control pregnancy symptoms.