Physical activity and quality of life after childbirth: a cross-sectional study

The period of life after childbirth represents a particularly demanding phase in a woman's life and may significantly compromise both mental and physical health. Adhering to the World Health Organization's (WHO) recommendation of 150 min of physical activity per week, in addition to maintaining adequate sleep quality, may pose considerable challenges during this time.

Prospective cross-sectional study including women between three months and two years after childbirth. Physical activity was self-reported and measured by the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ, Version 6, long form); quality of life was assessed by the World Health Organization Quality of Life questionnaire (WHOQOL-BREF); and sleep quality was evaluated through the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI-BR). Sociodemographic data were collected using a personal characterization questionnaire.

187 women were included. Of the total sample, 86.1% reported engaging in physical activity prior to pregnancy, 71.1% during pregnancy, and 43.3% in the postpartum period. The majority was primiparous (62.6%), white (73.8%), in a stable relationship (95.2%), engaged in paid employment (82.4%), and had completed high school education (96.3%). According to IPAQ classification, 42.2% of participants exhibited a moderate level of physical activity. Based on PSQI, 59.9% of the women presented with poor sleep quality. The most physically active women during pregnancy were those over 30 years of age, primiparous, and with a well-established support network. Those with lower activity levels also reported worse sleep and lacked support. Women who engaged in physical activity during pregnancy were approximated seven times more likely to maintain physical activity in the postpartum period (OR 7.25 95% CI 2.85-18.45).

A reduction in physical activity levels was observed after childbirth. The most active women were primiparous, over 30 years of age, and had a structured support network. Engaging in physical activity during pregnancy was associated with a greater likelihood of maintaining such a habit after childbirth.