The largest study ever found that doing at least one hour of moderate-intensity exercise each week can reduce the severity of ‘baby blues’ and nearly halve a new mother’s risk of developing major clinical depression. This is suggested by an analysis of the evidence.
However, the researchers involved in the study acknowledged that finding time with so many new responsibilities and challenges is not easy, and that recovering from childbirth should be a priority.
New mothers can start exercising again with “gentle” walks they can take with their baby, adding that they can increase to “moderate” activity when they’re ready.
According to a team of Canadian academics, this moderate physical activity may include brisk walking, water aerobics, stationary cycling, and strength training.
Maternal depression and anxiety are relatively common after childbirth and are associated with poorer self-care and poorer care and bonding with the infant, which can in turn affect the child’s cognitive, emotional, and social development. The researchers said that there is a possibility that
Traditional treatments for depression and anxiety in the first weeks and months after childbirth primarily include medication and counseling, each of which is associated with side effects, poor medication adherence, and lack of timely access and cost. is often accompanied by
Previous research has shown that physical activity is an effective treatment for depression and anxiety in general. But until now, it was unknown whether it could reduce the severity of baby blues in the first few weeks after giving birth, or reduce the risk of severe postpartum depression months later.
In the analysis, Published in the British Journal of Sports MedicineResearchers looked at 35 studies involving more than 4,000 women from 14 countries. The research team gathered data from available evidence on the effects of exercise after childbirth.
Those who exercised had a 45% reduced risk of developing severe postpartum depression compared to those who did not. Exercise was also associated with fewer symptoms of depression and anxiety after giving birth.
It was found that starting exercise before 12 weeks of age significantly reduced symptoms of depression than starting later. And the more you exercise, the more the severity of your symptoms will be reduced, the study found.
To reap the benefits of exercise, women should aim to engage in at least 80 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise each week, the researchers said. Ideally, you should try to be active at least four days a week, they added.
Lead author Margie Davenport, a professor at the University of Alberta, said light exercise, such as slow walking, during the first few weeks of life can be very helpful.
“one time [the mother] If you have recovered from labor and delivery, it is recommended to take short gentle walks. Walking is a great way to exercise, and you can also do it with your baby,” she said.
“She’s ready to start more intense exercise, so I recommend gradual but gradual exercise.
“It’s important to pay attention to symptoms that may indicate exercise is progressing too quickly, such as poor recovery after exercise. People who experience urinary incontinence should consult a pelvic floor physical therapist for evaluation and treatment. We recommend that you do so.
“The ideal time to start is different for everyone, balancing the need to recover and heal from childbirth and preparing to start physical activity for both physical and mental health benefits.”
