DOES AEROBIC EXERCISE DURING PREGNANCY REDUCE THE RISK OF POSTPARTUM DEPRESSION?
This question was posed by researchers who conducted a randomized controlled trial to determine whether regular aerobic exercise during pregnancy would reduce postpartum depression in women with singleton (non-multiple) pregnancies.
398 women between the ages of 20-40 years were evaluated, all of whom had low-risk single pregnancies. Each one was then randomly assigned to either an exercise or non-exercise group.
The program for the exercise group program consisted of structured aerobic exercise 3 days per week until 35 weeks of gestation. The non-exercise group did not receive any structured exercise program or guidance on physical activity.
Self-reported postpartum depressive symptoms were assessed using the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression scale (EPDS). The lower the score, the less depressive moods reported. Women with an EPDS score equal or greater than 9 received closer follow-up and, if necessary, were referred to a psychiatrist for counseling.
What was revealed?
Results showed that:
- In the exercise group the mean EPDS score was lower than that of the non-exercise group
- Women in the exercise group had a higher gestational age at delivery and lower rates of NICU (Neonatal ICU) admissions
- Other maternal and perinatal outcomes were not significantly different between the two groups
The authors reported: “The mechanisms by which antenatal exercise may reduce the risk of post-partum depression are, therefore, likely multifactorial. Exercise promotes neuroplasticity and increases levels of brain derived neurotropic factor.”
The study was led by Gabriele Saccone, Department of Neuroscience, Reproductive Sciences and Dentistry, School of Medicine, University of Naples and published in An International Journal of Obstetrics & Gynecology, September 21, 2025.
