Exercise can help mums beat the blues both during and after pregnancy
Washington, Sept 4 : A regular exercise regime during pregnancy can not only help
expecting mothers with their body image, but also protect them from depression, says a new
study.
The study has proposed that women who stay active and are more positive about their
changing shapes might stay away from depression both during and after pregnancy.
"Our study supports the psychological benefits of exercise to improve body image and
lessen depressive symptoms," said lead study author Danielle Symons Downs, Ph.D.,
associate professor of kinesiology and obstetrics and gynaecology at Penn State
University.
For their study, the researchers surveyed 230 Pennsylvania women throughout pregnancy
and the postpartum period about their symptoms of depression, exercise habits and feelings
about weight, appearance and other aspects of body image.
The results were found to be consistent with previous research indicating that women
who experienced depressive symptoms early in pregnancy were likely to experience later
pregnancy and postpartum depression.
However, now they found that women who experienced higher levels of depression symptoms
also reported less satisfaction with their appearance throughout the trimesters of
pregnancy.
"If someone is depressed and not very happy with how their body looks, especially with
regard to the physical changes that occur during pregnancy, it can influence depression
later on," said Downs.
Women who reported more depressive symptoms during the first trimester were moire
inclined to engage in less exercise behaviour in early pregnancy.
Also, women who exercised more prior to their pregnancy had greater body satisfaction
during the second and third trimesters and less depressive symptoms in the second
trimester.
This, according to Downs, indicates that avid pre-pregnancy exercise might protect
women from negative depressive symptoms and body dissatisfaction during mid-to-late
pregnancy.
"There is no question that pregnant women, in consultation with their health care
providers, should try to maintain a regular and moderate exercise regimen," said Michael
O'Hara, Ph.D., professor of psychology at the University of Iowa.
He advised that beginners should take it easy when exercising. Women could keep up with
what they were doing beforehand physically, but they should not go all-out during
pregnancy if they were sedentary before.
The study appears in the latest issue of the journal Annals of Behavioral Medicine.
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--ANI
