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Exercise during pregnancy attenuates prenatal depression: a randomized controlled trial
M Perales1, I Refoyo1, J Coteron1
1Department of Social Sciences, Physical Activity and Sport Sciences Faculty-INEF, Technical University of Madrid, Madrid, Spain.
Evaluation & the Health Professions
|May 30, 2014
Summary
Supervised exercise programs significantly reduce depression symptoms and incidence in pregnant women. This approach offers a safe alternative to medication for managing prenatal depression.
Area of Science:
- Obstetrics and Gynecology
- Psychiatry
- Sports Medicine
Background:
- Depression affects 10-30% of pregnant women, a higher prevalence than postpartum.
- Antidepressant use during pregnancy poses risks to mother and fetus.
- Non-pharmacological interventions are needed for prenatal depression.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy of a supervised exercise program (EP) in reducing depressive symptoms among pregnant women.
Main Methods:
- A randomized controlled trial involving 184 healthy pregnant women.
- The exercise group (EG) engaged in 3 supervised 55-60 minute sessions weekly throughout pregnancy.
- Depression levels were assessed using the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale (CES-D).
Main Results:
- 167 women (90 EG, 77 control group) were analyzed.
- The EG showed significantly lower CES-D scores (7.67 ± 6.30) compared to the control group (11.34 ± 9.74, p = .005).
- The incidence of depression was lower in the EG (12.2%) versus the control group (24.7%, p = .04).
Conclusions:
- Supervised physical exercise during pregnancy effectively reduces depression levels.
- Exercise programs can decrease the incidence of depression in pregnant women.
- This study supports exercise as a viable intervention for prenatal depression.
