Influence of lifestyle habits and behaviours on quality of life during pregnancy

Abstract

Introduction: It is well known that numerous habits can affect the quality of life. Goal: The aim of the study was to assess the influence of different lifestyle habits of pregnant women on their quality of life during pregnancy. Methods: Study involved every sixth women who gave birth in our Clinic during the year 2010. They filled in SF36 questionnaire, Beck's Depres-sion Inventory, Fatigue Severity Scale, Pregnancy Symptom Scale, Multidimensional Personal Sup-port Scale and Acceptance of Illness Scale. Infor-mation regarding habits such as smoking, drink-ing alcohol and doing sports and recreation were taken from all women. Results: Study included 604 respondents. The correlation between smoking duration and depres-sion was positive and significant (p=0.042). Depres-sion and fatigue were significantly higher (p=0.002; p=0.008) in women who drank alcohol during pregnancy. Social support was significantly better for women who did sports (p=0.044). Depression (p=0.001), social support (p=0.001) and all SF36 scores (pPHC=0.028; pMHC=0.017; pTQL=0.013) were significantly higher in women doing recreation dur-ing pregnancy. A significant model of impact on physical health, of all habits together, was made: PHC=62.039+1.732xSMOKING DURATION. Conclusion: Pregnant women should continue with physical activities during pregnancy but quit smoking and drinking in order to ensure healthy pregnancy and good quality of life during preg-nancy.