Depressive symptoms postpartum is associated with physical activity level the year prior to giving birth - A...

To examine physical activity level prior to pregnancy, during pregnancy and postpartum and investigate the association with depressive symptoms postpartum among women in Sweden.

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.

Level and change of physical activity before pregnancy, during pregnancy and postpartum and depressive symptoms postpartum.

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.

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.