A Cross-Sectional Study Examining the Association between Physical Activity and Perinatal Depression

Area of Science:

• Obstetrics and Gynecology
• Public Health
• Mental Health

Background:

• International guidelines recommend moderate-intensity physical exercise during pregnancy and postpartum to prevent maternal and newborn pathologies.
• Physical activity during pregnancy is linked to reduced rates of antenatal and postnatal depression, benefiting both mother and fetus.
• A significant proportion of pregnant women remain inactive, highlighting a gap in adherence to physical activity recommendations.

Purpose of the Study:

• To analyze the relationship between physical activity levels and depression in pregnant women.
• To identify factors associated with physical activity in this population.

Main Methods:

• A cross-sectional study was conducted with ninety-nine pregnant women.
• The Pregnancy Physical Activity Questionnaire (PPAQ) assessed physical activity levels.
• The Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) was used to evaluate depression symptoms during pregnancy.

Main Results:

• Pregnant women who had not previously experienced depression reported higher physical activity (719.29 METS min/wk) compared to those with a history of depression (624.62 METS min/wk).
• Currently, pregnant women without depression exhibited higher physical activity levels (826.57 METS) than those experiencing depression (698.25 METS).
• Favorable employment status and higher educational attainment were positively correlated with increased physical activity.

Conclusions:

• Pregnant women experiencing depression are less physically active than their non-depressed counterparts.
• Higher levels of physical activity are associated with positive employment situations and higher education.
• The majority of physical activity and energy expenditure among pregnant women occurs within the home environment, rather than during transport, exercise, or work.