The Relationship Between Baseline Depression, Perceived Stress and Pregnancy Experiences: The Role of Physical Activity

Objective: To evaluate whether perceived stress and baseline depression predict the intensity and frequency of pregnancy-specific experiences, and to assess whether physical activity moderate these relationships. The study also explores the role of demographic factors—particularly age and education—in shaping maternal mental health outcomes. Study Design: This study is a secondary analysis using data from Hoosier Mom Cohort (HMC), a pregnancy cohort of individuals with singleton gestation enrolled at < 20 weeks. A total of 411 participants were recruited, and data from 391 participants were included in this analysis. Baseline depression was assessed by Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) at Visit 1 (