Comparison of physical activity, body awareness and self-esteem according to trimesters during pregnancy

Our aim was to examine trimester-specific differences and interrelationships among physical activity, body awareness, self-esteem, and pregnancy-related symptoms in pregnant women. We included 76 pregnant women across all three trimesters in this cross-sectional study. Participants completed the Body Awareness Questionnaire, Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale, Pregnancy Symptom Inventory, and Pregnancy Physical Activity Questionnaire. Correlation analyses and group comparisons were conducted. In the first trimester, higher body mass index was associated with lower body awareness (r = −0.513, p = 0.035), while symptom frequency was associated with reduced self-esteem (r = 0.533, p = 0.028). In the second trimester, symptom frequency associated with increased body awareness (r = 0.474, p = 0.012). No significant trimester differences were observed in physical activity, body awareness, self-esteem, or symptom severity (p > 0.05). We highlight the importance of trimester-specific assessment of physical and psychosocial factors throughout pregnancy.