The aim of the research was to define the influence of a single physical exercise class on mood states of pregnant women and to establish the socio-demographic and personality predictors of mood changes. The sample was comprised of a total of 109 pregnant women aged 19-37 years. Of the group, 62 women participated in physical exercise for pregnant women (the experimental group) and 47 women participated in traditional childbirth education classes (the control group). Emotional states were assessed with the UWIST Mood Adjective Checklist; personality traits were measured with the NEO-FFI, LOT-R and STAI questionnaires. Socio-demographic data were collected with a survey developed by the authors. A single physical exercise class improved the emotional state of pregnant women significantly more than a traditional childbirth education class. Within the experimental group, a significant improvement of mood was observed in all dimensions, while in the control group only hedonic tone increased. Greater improvements in mood can be expected in a group of women who are younger, less optimistic, and who evaluate their health better but physical fitness worse. As a single session of exercise helps improve the mood of pregnant women, this may be an effective strategy to prevent the deterioration of mood state during pregnancy.

PurposeThe aim of this study was to compare the changes in emotional states in pregnant women after completing a relaxation session and a one-off physical exercise class.MethodsThe study included 139 pregnant women between the ages of 22 to 34 years (28.59 ± 2.99 years) in their second and third trimesters of pregnancy who were participating in one of three programs: a progressive relaxation course, a physical exercise program, or a traditional childbirth education program (control group). Emotional states were assessed by McNair, Lorr, and Droppleman’s Profile of Mood States immediately before (pre-test) attending their seventh respective class and then immediately after finishing it (post-test).ResultsThe pre-test emotional state of participants in all three groups was similar. Post-test, both the exercise and relaxation groups featured significantly improved emotional states, with the changes greater than those of women who attended the prenatal class. Pregnant women who participated in physical exercise were less troubled and tense and characterized by a higher level of vigor than the control group.ConclusionsPhysical exercise may be especially helpful in coping with fatigue and feeling tired, while relaxation training is more beneficial for women with elevated levels of anxiety and depression.

The mental health of pregnant women may depend on socio-economic factors and personality traits. Monitoring these factors would enable one to assess the degree of risk for the deterioration of the mental health during pregnancy.