Determinant Factors in Excessive Gestational Weight Gain: Physical Activity, Nutritional Status, and Anxiety

Overview

This study aims to identify which of the following factors-physical activity level, nutritional status, or pregnancy-related anxiety-has the strongest influence on excessive gestational weight gain. Pregnant women in their third trimester who are being followed at Gebze Fatih State Hospital and meet the inclusion criteria will be referred to the Exercise Therapy Laboratory of the Department of Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation, Faculty of Health Sciences, Bezmialem Vakıf University. After being informed about the study and providing written informed consent, participants will undergo a face-to-face assessment. Data will be collected prospectively using a demographic information form, the Pregnancy Physical Activity Questionnaire (PPAQ), a nutritional status assessment form, and a pregnancy-related anxiety questionnaire.

Excessive gestational weight gain is a significant public health concern due to its association with adverse maternal and neonatal outcomes. Multiple factors, including lifestyle behaviors and psychological status, may contribute to excessive weight gain during pregnancy. However, the relative contribution of physical activity, nutritional status, and pregnancy-related anxiety remains unclear. The primary objective of this prospective observational study is to comprehensively determine which of these variables-physical activity level, nutritional status, or pregnancy-related anxiety-has the most significant effect on excessive gestational weight gain. The study population will consist of pregnant women in their third trimester who are being followed with a diagnosis of pregnancy at Gebze Fatih State Hospital and who meet the predefined inclusion criteria. Eligible participants will be referred to the Exercise Therapy Laboratory of the Department of Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation, Faculty of Health Sciences, Bezmialem Vakıf University. After receiving detailed verbal and written information about the study, all participants will be asked to provide written informed consent prior to enrollment. Data collection will be conducted prospectively through face-to-face interviews. Participants will complete the following assessment tools: A demographic characteristics form, The Pregnancy Physical Activity Questionnaire (PPAQ) to assess physical activity levels, A nutritional status assessment form to evaluate dietary habits, A pregnancy-related anxiety questionnaire to assess anxiety levels associated with pregnancy. The collected data will be analyzed to determine the relative impact of physical activity, nutritional status, and pregnancy-related anxiety on excessive gestational weight gain.