Comparison of mood-state, physical activity level, pain andbiopsychosocial characteristics between the third trimester and the puerperal period in pregnant

This study was conducted with 100 female participants between the ages of 18-45 to compare the physical activity levels, musculoskeletal pain, mood and biopsychosocial status of individuals in the third trimester and puerperal periods. During the third trimester and on the 45th postpartum day, individuals were administered the International Physical Activity Questionnaire-Short (IPAQ-S), State and Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI), Extended Nordic Musculoskeletal System Questionnaire (NMQ E) and Cognitive Exercise Therapy Approach-Biopychosocial Questionnaire. (BETY-BQ) scales were applied. Postpartum Depression Screening Scale (PPDSS) was also administered after birth. In pregnant women during the third trimester and puerperium, state and trait anxiety levels (p=0.002), physical activity levels (p<0.001), musculoskeletal system pain intensity (p<0.001), pain levels of some parts of the musculoskeletal system (p <0.001) and some biopsychosocial subscale (p<0.001) scores were found to be significantly different. While pregnant women experienced moderate levels of state and trait anxiety in the third trimester, their anxiety decreased significantly in the puerperal period. There was a significant increase in the level of physical activity of inactive pregnant women. Back, hand/wrist, waist, hip/thigh, knee, foot/wrist pain experienced by pregnant women during the third trimester decreased in the puerperal period. Additionally, the intensity of pain they experienced during the puerperal period also decreased. While pregnant women are biopsychosocially more positive in terms of emotional status and sleep in the puerperal period than in the third trimester, they are in a more negative situation in terms of sexuality. Pregnant women were very close to receiving professional help for postpartum depression. Key Words: Pain, puerperal period, 3rd trimester, biopsychosocial, physical activity