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.
Keywords: Depressive symptoms; Physical activity; Postpartum depression; Pregnancy; Pregnant women.
Copyright © 2021 The Authors. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.