Depressive symptoms postpartum is associated with physical activity level the year prior to giving birth – A retrospective observational study

• Objectives: To examine physical activity level prior to pregnancy, during pregnancy and postpartum and investigate the association with depressive symptoms postpartum among women in Sweden. Study design: Retrospective observational study including 532 women on self-assessment of physical activity level before pregnancy, during pregnancy and postpartum, depressive symptoms postpartum as well as stressful life events in the past two years. Main outcome measures: Level and change of physical activity before pregnancy, during pregnancy and postpartum and depressive symptoms postpartum. Results: Almost two-thirds of the women in the study reported that they were inactive or performed light physical activity (62.9%; n = 331) in the year prior to giving birth. Women with a sedentary lifestyle or performing light physical activity level reported depressive symptoms postpartum to a greater extent than active women. Conclusions: A higher level of physical activity during pregnancy was associated with a lower level of depressive symptoms postpartum. Physical activity is a contributing factor to promote a healthier lifestyle and can contribute to improve mental health for pregnant women, newly become mothers and their children. © 2021 The Authors

Subject headings

MEDICIN OCH HÄLSOVETENSKAP  -- Klinisk medicin -- Reproduktionsmedicin och gynekologi (hsv//swe)

MEDICAL AND HEALTH SCIENCES  -- Clinical Medicine -- Obstetrics, Gynaecology and Reproductive Medicine (hsv//eng)

Keyword

Depressive symptoms

Physical activity

Postpartum depression

Pregnancy

Pregnant women

Physical activity; Pregnancy; Depressive symptoms; Postpartum depression; Pregnant women

Publication and Content Type

ref (subject category)

art (subject category)