Compensatory health beliefs in women in the first, second and third trimester of pregnancy

Background Compensatory health beliefs may serve as one of many self-regulatory strategies that individuals employ to maintain healthy lifestyles. Past research with samples from a general population has shown, however, compensatory are ineffective in this regard and even lead inaction future health-related behaviors such eating healthily or being active. To better understand phenomenon, the present study, changes regarding various life domains were examined group pregnant women. Participants procedure In longitudinal study design, 166 women completed questionnaires first (t1), second (t2), third (t3) tri-mester their pregnancies. We assessed level self-control trait (t1, t2, t3), unhealthy snacking (t3). Results As predicted, decreased levels increased over time. A linear mixed ef-fects analysis showed was best predictor trimester. Finally, com-pensatory trimester mediated effect at beginning pregnancy on un-healthy Conclusions It appears important support opting for constructive strategies, especially final trimesters, when coping resources exhausted by challenges period.