Physical activity, sedentary behavior, and postnatal depressive symptoms: a review

Evaluating a multi-behavioural home-based intervention for reducing depressive symptoms in postnatal women : The food, move, sleep (FOMOS) for postnatal mental health randomised controlled trial protocol

BACKGROUND

Postnatal depression (PND) is a leading cause of illness and death among women following childbirth. Physical inactivity, sedentary behaviour, poor sleep, and sub-optimal diet quality are behavioural risk factors for PND. A feasible, sustainable, and scalable intervention to improve healthy behaviours and reduce PND symptoms among women at postpartum is needed. This study aims to examine the effectiveness of a multi-behavioural home-based program Food, Move, Sleep (FOMOS) for Postnatal Mental Health designed to improve PND symptoms in women at postpartum.

METHODS

This randomised clinical trial will recruit 220 Australian women (2-12 months postpartum) experiencing heightened PND symptoms (Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale score ≥ 10). Participants will be randomised to FOMOS or wait-list control receiving standard clinical care. FOMOS is a 6-month mobile health (mHealth) intervention targeting diet quality, physical activity, sedentary behaviour, sleep, and mental health. The intervention, informed by the Social Cognitive Theory and incorporating behaviour change techniques defined in the CALO-RE taxonomy and Cognitive Behavioural Treatment of Insomnia, provides exercise equipment, and educational/motivational material and social support via mHealth and social media. Data collection pre-intervention and at 3, 6 and 12 months will assess the primary outcome of PND symptoms and secondary outcomes (diet quality, physical activity, sitting time, sleep quality) using self-report and device measures. Process evaluation will explore acceptability, appropriateness, cost-effectiveness, feasibility, and sustainability via analytic tools, record keeping, interviews, and surveys.

DISCUSSION

If effective, FOMOS could be a feasible and potentially scalable management strategy to support improvement of health behaviours and mental health for women with PND symptoms.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

https://www.anzctr.org.au/Trial/Registration/TrialReview.aspx?ACTRN=12622001079730p.

The Effect of Clinical Pilates Exercises and Prenatal Education on Maternal and Fetal Health

OBJECTIVE

The mental, physical and sexual health of women as well as maternal and fetal health should be considered during the prenatal and postnatal periods. Investigating the effect of clinical Pilates exercises and prenatal education (CPE & PE) on obstetric and neonatal outcomes as well as the mental, physical, and sexual health of women was intended.

METHODS

In the second trimester, mothers with singleton pregnancies who attended (n=79, study group) or did not attend (n=80, control group) CPE & PR were recruited to this prospective cohort study, and were evaluated in the prenatal and postnatal periods. Depression was assessed with Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), sexual functions with Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI), muscle strength with Gross Muscle Scales (GMS), and labor pain with Visual Analogue Scale (VAS). In addition, the presence of low back pain (LBP) was questioned.

RESULTS

No significant association of CPE & PE with obstetric outcomes such as cesarean rates, preterm birth, and neonatal outcomes such as birth weight and Apgar scores were identified. Changes in VAS scores, the incidence of perineal trauma, and episiotomy were not associated with CPE & PE. However, CPE & PE was associated with lower BDI scores, a gradual increase in the total scores of FSFI, increased GMS, and reduced LBP.

CONCLUSION

CPE & PE had no adverse effects on obstetric and neonatal outcomes and was associated with improved mental, physical, sexual health scores during pregnancy and postpartum.

Dietary intake, physical activity and sedentary behavior and association with BMI during the transition to parenthood: a prospective dyadic study

Introduction

Little is known on how diet, physical activity (PA) and sedentary behavior (SB) changes during pregnancy and after childbirth in primiparous couples. Moreover, it is unclear how potential behavioral changes are associated with changes in BMI. This study examined changes in diet, PA and SB, and their association with changes in BMI in couples transitioning to parenthood.

Methods

Dietary intake (FFQ), PA, SB (both Actigraph GT3X accelerometers) and BMI of women and men were assessed at 12 weeks of gestation, 6 weeks and 6 months postpartum. Data were analyzed using dyadic longitudinal data analyses techniques.

Results

In women, a decrease in fruit intake, an increase in alcohol intake, an increase of light-intensity PA, and a decrease in SB were observed from the beginning of pregnancy up to 6 months postpartum. Decreases in fruit intake between 6 weeks and 6 months postpartum was associated with increases in BMI. Men did not show significant dietary changes, while an increase in light-intensity PA and a decrease in moderate-to-vigorous PA (MVPA) was observed at 6 months postpartum when compared to 12 weeks of gestation. Paternal increases in "avoidance food group" intake were associated with increases in BMI between baseline and 6 weeks postpartum. No associations of changes in BMI and changes in PA and SB were found.

Discussion

Not only mothers but also fathers experienced unfavorable changes in lifestyle during the transition to parenthood, with impact on BMI changes. This highlights the need to monitor unhealthy changes in lifestyle and body weight in both parents when expecting a child and after childbirth.

Clinical trial registration

Clinicaltrials.gov, NCT03454958.

Can we hit prenatal depression and anxiety through HIIT? The effectiveness of online high intensity interval training in pregnant women during the COVID-19 pandemic: a randomized controlled trial

BACKGROUND

In recent years high intensity interval training (HIIT) has grown in popularity. However, it rarely represents training interventions in experimental studies in pregnant populations. Therefore, in this study we aimed to assess changes in depressive symptoms, fear of childbirth, fear of Covid-19 and quality of life after an 8-week supervised online HIIT program, compared to an educational (self-performed physical activity) program.

METHODS

We conducted a randomized control trial among 54 Caucasian women in uncomplicated, singleton pregnancy (age 32 ± 4 years, 22 ± 4 week of gestation; mean ± SD). There were 34 women in the experimental group, who participated in an 8-week high intensity interval training program (HIIT group). The comparative group was constituted of 20 pregnant women who attended 8-week educational program (EDU group).

RESULTS

The most important finding was that mental health improved somewhat in both groups after the intervention, but only the HIIT group improved statistically significantly. The positive trends in lowering the severity of depressive symptoms, fear of childbirth, and fear of Covid-19 were observed in both groups. However, the positive response to the intervention was stronger in the EDU group. As a secondary outcome, there was a significant decrease in cardiorespiratory fitness level in the EDU group, while the HIIT group maintained unchanged level of maximal oxygen uptake.

CONCLUSIONS

HIIT seems to be beneficial for women with uncomplicated pregnancies to maintain adequate quality of life and mental health. However, more research is needed to determine the effectiveness of prenatal HIIT in pregnant women in various psychological conditions.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

We conducted this study in Poland, in 2021. It was approved by the Bioethics Commission at the District Medical Chamber in Gdansk (KB-8/21). The full study protocol was registered in ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT05009433).

Physical Activity During the Perinatal Period: Guidelines for Interventions During the Perinatal Period from the French National College of Midwives

The aim of this review is to provide an update on the beneficial effects of regular physical activity and/or less sedentary behavior before, during, and after pregnancy, based on data from the scientific literature and the recommendations of expert committees. In the preconception period, it is recommended that women perform 30 minutes to 1 hour of moderate-to-high intensity physical activity per day, at least 5 days a week, and avoid the absence of any physical activity for 2 consecutive days. Pregnant women should: i) start or continue to perform moderate-intensity physical activity (up to 150 min/wk with at least 3 sessions longer than 30 min), ii) start or continue to do muscle strengthening activity involving the large muscle groups (once or twice a week). In the absence of medical contraindications, it is recommended that they continue physical activity (at least 30 min/d) during the postpartum period. Sedentary time must be limited, if possible, to less than 7 hours a day, regardless of the period.

Effect of perinatal depression on birth and infant health outcomes: a systematic review and meta-analysis of observational studies from Africa

Background

Antenatal depression is associated with intrauterine growth retardation, preterm birth, and low birth weight. Infants born to mothers with postnatal depression also may suffer from malnutrition and other health problems. Even though there are few single studies conducted so far, a systematic review of these studies is highly important to highlight the effect of antenatal and perinatal depression on adverse birth and infant health outcomes in Africa.

Methods

We used the Preferred Report Items for Systematic Review and Meta-analysis (PRISMA) when conducting this study. Databases like CINAHL (EBSCO), MEDLINE (via Ovid and PubMed), PsycINFO, Emcare, Psychiatry Online, and Scopus were searched. In addition, Google Scholar and references from a list of eligible studies were explored. We included good quality observational studies based on Newcastle Ottawa Scale which are published in the English language between 2007 and 2018.  Heterogeneity and publication bias were assessed. Meta-analysis with a random effect model was employed to determine the pooled effect sizes with a 95% confidence interval. The review protocol is registered in PROSPERO (CRD42018106714).

Result

We found three studies (1511 participants) and 11 studies (22,254 participants) conducted on the effect of antenatal depression on birth outcomes and perinatal depression on adverse infant health outcomes, respectively. The overall risk of having adverse birth outcomes was 2.26 (95% CI: 1.43, 3.58) times higher among pregnant mothers with depression. The risk of preterm birth and low birth weight was 1.77 (95% CI: 1.03, 3.04) and 2.98 (95% CI: 1.60, 5.55) respectively. Similarly, the risk of having adverse infant health outcomes namely malnutrition and febrile illness was 1.61 (95% CI: 1.34, 1.95) times higher among mothers who had perinatal depression.

Conclusions

We have found a significant association between antenatal depression and adverse birth outcomes, low birth weight and preterm birth. Similarly, a significant effect of perinatal depression on adverse infant health outcomes namely, malnutrition, and febrile illnesses was observed. The findings highlight that it is time to integrate mental health services with routine maternal health care services to improve birth outcomes and reduce infant morbidity.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s13690-022-00792-8.

Group-based physical activity interventions for postpartum women with children aged 0-5 years old: a systematic review of randomized controlled trials

BACKGROUND

It is estimated that less than one third of women (28%) worldwide, are not sufficiently active, and there is evidence indicating physical activity (PA) participation is lower during pregnancy and the postpartum period. Despite the importance of educating and encouraging postpartum women to engage in PA, existing systematic reviews have only focused on examining the impact of individually tailored PA interventions and on specific postpartum populations such as women who are inactive (i.e., do not meet PA recommendations) or women at risk of gestational diabetes mellitus or postnatal depression. This review aims to fill this gap by examining the impact of group-based PA interventions on postpartum women's PA levels or other health behavior outcomes.

METHODS

A systematic literature search was conducted using four electronic databases (MEDLINE, CINAHL, EMBASE and PsychInfo) of published studies between 1st January 2000 and 31st October 2020. Studies were included if they targeted postpartum women with no current health conditions, had children aged 0-5 years, and engaged postpartum women in a group-based PA program that reported PA or other health behavior outcomes. Out of a total of 1091 articles that were initially identified, six were included.

RESULTS

Group-based PA interventions were moderately successful in changing or increasing postpartum women's self-reported PA levels and psychological wellbeing in the first 2 years of their offspring's life. Overall, group-based PA interventions were not successful in changing or increasing postpartum women's objectively measured PA levels, but only one study objectively measured postpartum women's PA levels. Narrative synthesis highlights the heterogeneity of the outcomes and methodologies used, and the low to medium risk of bias in the included studies.

CONCLUSION

To strengthen the evidence-base for group-based PA programs with postpartum women there is an on-going need for more rigorous randomised controlled trials of appropriate length (at least 3 months in duration) with an adequate dose of group-based PA sessions per week (to meet PA guidelines), and that utilise objective measures of PA. In addition, future PA interventions for this population should include, at the very least, fidelity and process data to capture the characteristics or design features that appeal most to postpartum women.

Randomized trial examining the effect of exercise and wellness interventions on preventing postpartum depression and perceived stress

BACKGROUND

Approximately 13-19% of postpartum women experience postpartum depression and a majority report at least some stress during the postpartum phase. Traditional interventions such as psychotherapy and antidepressant medications are often not feasible or desirable. The purpose of this study was to examine two low cost, brief, accessible interventions designed to prevent postpartum depression and perceived stress among women at high risk.

METHODS

Participants (n = 450) who were on average four weeks postpartum, had a history of depression before pregnancy, and exercised less than 60 min per week were randomly assigned to one of the following three conditions: (1) 6-month telephone-based exercise intervention; (2) 6-month telephone-based wellness/support intervention (e.g., healthy eating, sleep, and perceived stress); or (3) usual care.

RESULTS

Overall, 2.4% of participants met criteria for depression at 6 months and 3.6% at 9 months with no differences between groups. At 6 months following randomization, median symptoms of depression were significantly lower among wellness participants compared to usual care participants (b = - 1.00, SE = 0.46, p = .03). Perceived stress at 6 months post-randomization was significantly lower among exercise vs. usual care participants (b = - 2.00, SE = .98, p = .04) and exercise vs. wellness participants (b = - 2.20, SE = 1.11, p = .04).

CONCLUSIONS

The wellness intervention was efficacious for preventing symptoms of depression; however, postpartum depression that met the diagnostic criteria was surprisingly low in all conditions among this at risk sample of postpartum women. Exercise interventions may have a protective effect on perceived stress among women at risk for postpartum depression. Practitioners should consider integrating exercise and wellness interventions into postpartum care.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

Clinical Trials Number: NCT01883479 (06/21/2013).

The prevalence and determinants of postpartum depression (PPD) symptomatology among facility delivered mothers of Dhaka city

BACKGROUND

Postpartum depression (PPD) is among the top mental health issues and affects children's health and cognitive development. This study aimed to identify the prevalence of PPD symptomatology and possible determinants among facility delivered mothers of Dhaka city.

METHOD

A cross-sectional study was conducted among 291 mothers within the 12 months of postpartum during January to May 2019.

RESULTS

The prevalence of PPD symptomatology was 29.9 % among postpartum mothers. Multiple adjusted odds ratios of stepwise logistic regression analyses revealed, mothers age more than 30 years (AOR = 2.56:95 %CI = 1.21-5.39), being a mother for the first time (AOR = 2.08:95 %CI = 1.09-3.96), lost job or couldn't able to do paid work due to pregnancy (AOR = 2.60:95 %CI = 1.25-5.43), hypertension history (AOR = 2.48:95 %CI = 1.20-5.10), neonatal complication (AOR = 2.04:95 %CI = 1.05-3.95), and rare or no support from husband (AOR = 4.12:95 %CI = 2.14-7.95) were identified as significant predictors of PPD. However, having a household income of more than 50,000 Bangladeshi Taka per month (AOR = 0.36:95 %CI = 0.17-0.76) and passing less sedentary hours (AOR = 0.41:95 % CI = 0.23-0.75) were protective factors for PPD.

CONCLUSION

Our study has revealed a relatively high prevalence of PPD symptomatology; therefore, mental health counseling and proper management of cases are essential for bettering mothers and the next generation.

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

OBJECTIVES

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

STUDY DESIGN

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.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

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

RESULTS

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.

CONCLUSIONS

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.

Perceived Barriers and Motivators for Physical Activity in Women With Perinatal Depression

BACKGROUND

Physical activity (PA) can help reduce depression symptom severity in women with perinatal depression. However, PA is low, and barriers and motivators for PA among women with perinatal depression are not well understood.

METHODS

An ethnically diverse sample of women with perinatal depression was identified using a universal perinatal depression screening program. The authors conducted 8 focus groups (4 in pregnant women [n = 15] and 4 in postpartum women [n = 20]). Depression symptoms were measured using the Patient Health Questionnaire-8 at recruitment. Focus groups were analyzed using an inductive approach.

RESULTS

Pregnant participants were 27 weeks gestation, and postpartum participants were 11.5 months postpartum, on average. Depression symptoms were moderately severe (mean Patient Health Questionnaire-8 score: 16). Women identified practical barriers and motivators for PA common to perinatal women (physical health, parental responsibilities, PA tracking tools, and environmental factors) and described emotional and social factors influencing PA. Motivators included using PA to improve mood, relieve stress, boost self-image, and spend time with others. Bad mood, fear of social judgment, and feeling discouraged made it difficult to be active.

CONCLUSION

PA interventions in women with perinatal depression should include components addressing emotional and social barriers to PA in addition to addressing additional common practical barriers to PA.

Key stakeholder perspectives on the development and real-world implementation of a home-based physical activity program for mothers at risk of postnatal depression: a qualitative study

Background

Physical activity (PA) is a modifiable risk factor for postnatal depression (PND) and programs are needed to enhance PA amongst women at risk of PND. Key stakeholder involvement in informing development and implementation of such programs is vital. However, little research demonstrates key stakeholder insights to inform the design and delivery of PA programs for improving PND. The aim of this study was to explore key stakeholder perspectives on the design and delivery of a home-based PA program for mothers with PND symptoms to inform future real-world implementation and scale-up.

Methods

A descriptive qualitative study was undertaken whereby semi-structured interviews were conducted with representatives from various key stakeholder organisations involved in postnatal PA and/or mental health, public health and policy in Australia (n = 11). Interviews were conducted between September to November 2019 and explored stakeholder perceptions on the design and delivery of a home-based PA program for mothers with PND symptoms. The interview schedule was informed by both the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research (CFIR) and the PRACTical planning for Implementation and Scale-up (PRACTIS) guide. Data were analysed thematically using both deductive and inductive coding.

Results

The relative priority of PND and PA was high for most organisations involved, although none implemented PA programs supporting women at risk of PND. Most stakeholders perceived the program as appealing due to addressing barriers to postnatal PA, although identified some feasibility issues regarding funding and delivery mechanisms. Suggestions for program adaptations included an equity focus (e.g. providing socioeconomically disadvantaged women with a greater program dose; translating web-app based content into various languages). Planned components of the program were suggested to align (i.e. relative advantage) with existing initiatives (e.g. equipment hire for nurseries scheme) and screening systems for PND (timing of referral). Perceived barriers to scale-up included logistics/cost of equipment, organisational capacity demands and safety risks/liability. Perceived enablers to scale-up included linking the program with ‘adjunct’ programs and services.

Conclusions

While the program was appealing and most organisations could see a role in endorsing and/or referring to the program, funding and delivery mechanisms still need to be identified.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12889-021-10394-8.

Causal mechanisms of postnatal depression among women in Gondar town, Ethiopia: application of a stress-process model with generalized structural equation modeling

BACKGROUND

Postnatal depression (PND) is the second most common cause of disability and the most common complication after childbirth. Understanding the potential mechanisms by which the stress process can lead to PND is an important step for planning preventive interventions for PND. This study employed a stress process model to explore the possible pathways leading to PND in Gondar Town, Ethiopia.

METHODS

A community-based cohort study was conducted in 916 pregnant women, who were assessed for depression in their second or third trimester of pregnancy and re-assessed two to eight weeks after birth. Women with an Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) ≥6 were considered to be depressed. Modified Poisson regression was used to identify the independent predictors of PND. A Generalized Structural Equation Modeling (GSEM) was then used to explore the direct and indirect effects of stressors and their mediators on PND.

RESULTS

The prevalence and incidence proportion of PND were 9.27% (95%CI: 7.45, 11.36) and 7.77% (95%CI: 6.04, 9.79), respectively and 2.1% of the women demonstrated symptoms of depression within the study period. PND was independently predicted by having limited postnatal care services, Antenatal Depression (AND) and a Common Mental Disorders (CMD) before pregnancy, (IRR = 1.8; 95%CI: 1.0, 3.2), 1.6(95%CI: 1.4, 1.7), and 2.4 (95%CI: 1.4, 4.3) respectively). In SEM, AND (standardized total effect = 0.36) and a CMD before pregnancy (standardized total effect = 0.11) had both a direct and an indirect positive effect on PND scores. Low birth weight (standardized β = 0.32) and self-reported labor complications (standardized β = 0.09) had direct effects only on PND scores.

CONCLUSION

The observed incidence and prevalence of PND in Ethiopia were lower than in previous studies. A CMD before pregnancy and low birth weight (LBW) increased PND scores, and these effects were in part mediated via antenatal depression and labor complications. Early detection and treatment of depression before or during pregnancy could either directly or indirectly reduce the risk of labor complications and PND. Interventions that reduce LBW or improve the uptake of postnatal care might reduce PND incidence.

Reduction in physical activity significantly increases depression and anxiety in the perinatal period: a longitudinal study based on a self-report digital assessment tool

PURPOSE

Physical activity can reduce pregnancy-related complications and contributes substantially to improving maternal mental health. A reduction in activity encompassing exercise and daily household tasks throughout the course of pregnancy increases the risk of depression and anxiety. The following research examines the longitudinal interaction between exercise, general physical activity, and mental health outcomes in pregnant women.

METHODS

This prospective longitudinal study was conducted at the maternity departments of two major university hospitals in Germany. Self-reported data of 597 women were digitally assessed every 4 weeks from the second trimester until birth as well as 3 and 6 months postnatally. Depressive and anxiety symptoms were assessed using the EPDS, PRAQ, and STAI and physical activity levels were measured using the PPAQ questionnaire. Cross-sectional and longitudinal analyses using Pearson's correlation coefficient and multiple regression models were conducted.

RESULTS

We found a significant reduction in general physical activity in the period from the 20th to 32nd gestational week. Women who reported a greater decline during pregnancy showed significantly higher depression and anxiety scores. In stratified analyses, only baseline mental health scores proved to be variables with stronger impact on postnatal depression and anxiety outcomes.

CONCLUSION

General physical activity and maternal mental health significantly influence each other during and after pregnancy. Both physical activity and the prevention of perinatal mental disorders should be systematically encouraged during perinatal care to prevent adverse maternal and fetal birth outcomes.

Association of prenatal psychological distress and postpartum depression with varying physical activity intensity: Japan Environment and Children's Study (JECS)

Evidence is mixed on the associations between physical activity during pregnancy and perinatal depression, and it is limited for different physical activity intensities. Data for 92,743 pregnant women from the Japan Environment and Children’s Study were analyzed in this study. Psychological distress during pregnancy was assessed as moderate or severe using the Kessler Psychological Distress Scale (K6 5–12 and ≥13, respectively). Postpartum depression was assessed using the Edinburgh Postpartum Depression Scale (EPDS; cut-off score 9). Women with only light physical activity had significantly lower odds of psychological distress during pregnancy than those with no physical activity (K6 5–12: adjusted odds ratio [AOR] 0.86, 95% confidence interval [95%CI] 0.82, 0.90; K6 ≥ 13: AOR 0.64, 95%CI 0.58, 0.72). Women with a combination of light, moderate and vigorous physical activity had significantly higher odds of psychological distress during pregnancy (K6 5–12: AOR 1.32, 95%CI 1.18, 1.48; K6 ≥ 13: AOR 1.45, 95%CI 1.16, 1.81) and depression after childbirth (EPDS ≥ 9: AOR 1.42, 95%CI 1.24, 1.61). Physical activity intensity should be considered when assessing psychological distress risk during pregnancy and depression risk after delivery. Future research should evaluate specific physical activity programs with optimal intensity for pregnant women to prevent and treat their psychological distress and depression.

Sedentary behavior relates to mental distress of pregnant women differently across trimesters: An observational study in China

BACKGROUND

The independent effect of sedentary behavior (SB) on maternal mental health is still unclear. The purpose of this study was to examine the different relationships of SB with maternal distress in pregnant women across the three trimesters, controlling for the confounding factors including physical activity (PA), diet and gestational weight gain.

METHODS

Survey data were collected from 1272 participants in different trimesters of pregnancy. The data were divided into three data sets based on trimester, and regression analysis was conducted on each data set. Both the linear and quadratic relationships between SB and mental distress were estimated.

RESULTS

There was no significant association between SB and any mental distress symptoms in the first trimester. In the second trimester, SB was positively associated with higher mental overall distress symptoms (β=0.34, P < 0.001), including depress and anxiety. There is an inverted-U shaped curvilinear relationship between SB and mental distress in the third trimester, as SB-squared is significantly associated with mental overall distress (GSI: β=-0.65, P = 0.002, depression: β=-0.53, P = 0.014, anxiety: β=-0.46, P = 0.031).

LIMITATIONS

The data were collected from only one city in China, which may limit the generalizability of the findings for all Chinese women. This was an observational study and causality cannot be established.

CONCLUSION

This study found that the relationship between SB and maternal mental distress depends on trimesters. The stage of pregnancy should be considered when designing interventions for pregnant women to change SB to reduce mental distress.

Benefits of Physical Activity during Pregnancy and Postpartum: An Umbrella Review

PURPOSE

This study aimed to summarize the evidence from the 2018 Physical Activity Guidelines Advisory Committee Scientific Report, including new evidence from an updated search of the effects of physical activity on maternal health during pregnancy and postpartum.

METHODS

An initial search was undertaken to identify systematic reviews and meta-analyses published between 2006 and 2016. An updated search then identified additional systematic reviews and meta-analyses published between January 2017 and February 2018. The searches were conducted in PubMed®, CINAHL, and Cochrane Library and supplemented through hand searches of reference lists of included articles and reported according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines.

RESULTS

The original and updated searches yielded a total of 76 systematic reviews and meta-analyses. Strong evidence demonstrated that moderate-intensity physical activity reduced the risk of excessive gestational weight gain, gestational diabetes, and symptoms of postpartum depression. Limited evidence suggested an inverse relationship between physical activity and risk of preeclampsia, gestational hypertension, and antenatal anxiety and depressive symptomology. Insufficient evidence was available to determine the effect of physical activity on postpartum weight loss, postpartum anxiety, and affect during both pregnancy and postpartum. For all health outcomes, there was insufficient evidence to determine whether the relationships varied by age, race/ethnicity, socioeconomic status, or prepregnancy weight status.

CONCLUSIONS

The gestational period is an opportunity to promote positive health behaviors that can have both short- and long-term benefits for the mother. Given the low prevalence of physical activity in young women in general, and the high prevalence of obesity and cardiometabolic diseases among the U.S. population, the public health importance of increasing physical activity in women of childbearing age before, during, and after pregnancy is substantial.

How does MobileMums work? Mediators of a physical activity intervention

Objectives: To establish which Social Cognitive Theory constructs mediated effects of the MobileMums (MMP) program on increased duration and frequency of moderate-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) in women with young children (<5 years). Methods: This secondary data analysis is from a community-based randomised controlled trial. Over 12 weeks, intervention participants received a minimum of 52 individually tailored text messages, one face-to-face and one telephone-delivered session with a trained behavioural counsellor. Participants identified a support person who also received 12 weeks of individually tailored text messages. Control participants received minimal intervention contact. Data were collected pre- and post-program. Five potential mediators were assessed: barrier self-efficacy, goal setting skills, outcome expectancies, perceived environmental opportunity for physical activity and social support for physical activity. Results: Improvements in MVPA frequency were mediated by improvements in barrier self-efficacy, goal setting skills, outcome expectancies and perceived social support. Improvements in MVPA duration resulting from the MMP were mediated by improvements in women's barrier self-efficacy and goal setting skills. Conclusions: MMP improved targeted theoretical constructs and this led to changes in women's MVPA. These findings are valuable for refinement and translation of the MMP and for further research to create theory- and evidence-based physical activity behaviour change programs for women with young children.

Total physical activity but not diet quality associated with postnatal depressive symptoms amongst women living in socioeconomically disadvantaged neighborhoods

Lifestyle behaviors such as healthy diet and some forms of physical activity have been linked to lower risk of depressive symptoms in the general population. However, little is known regarding their associations with postnatal depressive symptoms. Given that postnatal women (particularly those living in socioeconomically disadvantaged neighborhoods) are more likely to have poorer diet quality, lower physical activity levels and greater risk of depressive symptoms, this study sought to determine the associations between diet quality, total and domain specific physical activity and depressive symptoms amongst postnatal women from socioeconomically disadvantaged neighborhoods. It was hypothesized that higher diet quality and levels of leisure-time physical activity would be associated with lower depressive symptoms. In 2007-2008, cross-sectional data were collected from 246 women living in socioeconomically disadvantaged neighborhoods in Victoria, Australia. Participants completed self-report measures of diet (using a 17 item dietary questionnaire), domain specific physical activity (International Physical Activity Questionnaire), and depressive symptoms (Centre for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale). Linear regression analyses were used to determine the associations between diet quality, physical activity and postnatal depressive symptoms. There was a significant inverse association between total physical activity (B, -0.009; 95% CI, -0.016 to -0.001; P = .023) and postnatal depressive symptoms. No association was found between other domain-specific physical activity (i.e. leisure-time, domestic or transport-related physical activity), or diet quality and postnatal depressive symptoms. Acknowledging the cross-sectional nature of this study, these findings suggest that total physical activity may play a more important role than diet quality in the relationship with postnatal depressive symptoms.

A systematic mapping review of the associations between pregnancy intentions and health-related lifestyle behaviours or psychological wellbeing

The aim of this study was to conduct a systematic mapping review of the literature that explored associations of pregnancy intentions with health-related lifestyle behaviours and psychological wellbeing before and during pregnancy. Six databases were searched (May 2017) for papers relating to pregnancy intentions, health-related lifestyle behaviours, and psychological wellbeing. The literature was mapped according to the preconception or pregnancy period; prospective or retrospective variable assessment; and reported lifestyle behaviours and psychological wellbeing outcomes. Of 19,430 retrieved records, 303 studies were eligible. Pregnancy intentions were considered during the preconception period in 103 studies (only 23 assessed prospectively), and during the pregnancy period in 208 studies (141 prospectively). Associations between pregnancy intention and preconception behaviours/psychological wellbeing were primarily reported for supplement use (n = 58) and were lacking for diet/exercise, and psychological factors. For behaviours/psychological wellbeing during pregnancy, associations with pregnancy intention were focused on prenatal care (n = 79), depression (n = 61), and smoking (n = 56) and were lacking for diet/exercise. Only 7 studies assessed pregnancy intentions with a validated tool. Despite a large body of literature, there were several methodological limitations identified, namely assessment of pregnancy intentions with non-validated measures and the reliance on retrospective assessment. Future primary studies are needed to fill gaps in our understanding regarding energy-balance-related behaviours. Future studies (including reviews/meta-analyses) should take care to address the noted limitations to provide a comprehensive and accurate understanding of the relationships between pregnancy intentions and health-related lifestyle behaviours and psychological wellbeing before and during pregnancy.

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Reliance on the assessment of pregnancy intentions with non-validated measures

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Reliance on retrospective assessment

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Studies on preconception pregnancy intentions and diet/exercise lacking

Domain-specific physical activity and sedentary behavior during pregnancy and postpartum depression risk in the French EDEN and ELFE cohorts

The potential beneficial effects of physical activity during pregnancy on postpartum depressive symptoms (PPD) remain inconclusive. Using data from two prospective French birth cohorts, we aimed to examine the relationship between domain-specific physical activity (including leisure-time sedentary behavior) in pregnancy and the occurrence of PPD. Participants of the ELFE cohort (n = 15,538) completed the Pregnancy Physical Activity Questionnaire (PPAQ), which assesses the following physical activity/sedentary behavior domains: household/caregiving, occupational, sports/exercise, transportation and leisure-time sedentary behavior during the third pregnancy trimester. In the EDEN cohort (n = 1745) women completed the Baecke Questionnaire (BQ) measuring occupational, sports/exercise, and leisure-time activity during the first trimester of pregnancy. Depressive symptoms in the first postpartum year were measured using the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale in both cohorts. Associations of physical activity/sedentary behavior with PPD symptoms were determined by logistic regression analysis, with adjustment on potential confounding factors. In the adjusted models, higher levels of household/caregiving activities (OR = 1.10 (95% CI 1.01-1.19)) and leisure-time sedentary behavior (OR = 1.16 (95% CI 1.06-1.23)), in the third pregnancy trimester were associated with an increased odds of PPD. No significant associations were found for physical activity domains during the first pregnancy trimester. Higher levels of household and caregiving activities and leisure-time sedentary behavior in the last trimester of pregnancy appear to increase the likelihood of postpartum depression. Purpose and context should be taken into account when encouraging physical activity as a strategy to help prevent postpartum mental health problems from pregnancy onwards. Reducing sedentary behavior could be a complementary strategy.

Physical activity during pregnancy and postpartum depression: Systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

It is still largely unknown whether physical activity (PA) during pregnancy may be useful to avert subsequent postpartum depression (PPD). We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to determine the preventive effects of PA during pregnancy on PPD.

METHODS

A systematic review of English and non-English articles was conducted using CINAHL, Cochrane Controlled Trials Register, PsycINFO, MEDLINE, SportDiscuss and Web of Science databases. Studies which tested the effect of any type of PA measured during pregnancy on depression or depressive symptoms in the first year postpartum were included. Relevant articles were extracted independently by 2 authors using predefined data fields, including study quality indicators. The protocol was registered on PROSPERO (CRD42018087086).

RESULTS

Twenty one studies, fit our selection criteria. Among them, seventeen studies were included in the meta-analysis, representing 93 676 women. Robust Variance Estimation random-effects meta-analysis indicated a significant reduction in postpartum depression scores (Overall SMD = -0.22 [95% CI -0.42 to -0.01], p = 0.04; I² = 86.4%) for women physically active during pregnancy relative to those who were not active. This association was reinforced in intervention studies (SMD = -0.58 [9% CI -1.09 to -0.08]).

LIMITATIONS

Overall meta-analysis showed important heterogeneity in PA assessment, suggesting the existence of potential moderators such as intensity, frequency, trimester of pregnancy or type of physical activity practiced.

CONCLUSIONS

PA during pregnancy appears to reduce the risk of PPD symptoms. High quality studies addressing the role of PA in the perinatal period and its impact on new mother's mental health remain necessary.

The effectiveness of exercise-based interventions for preventing or treating postpartum depression: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Postpartum depression can have detrimental effects on both a mother's physical and mental health and on her child's growth and emotional development. The aim of this study is to assess the effectiveness of exercise/physical activity-based interventions in preventing and treating postpartum depressive symptoms in primiparous and multiparous women to the end of the postnatal period at 52 weeks postpartum. Electronic databases were searched for published and unpublished randomised controlled trials of exercise/physical activity-based interventions in preventing and treating depressive symptoms and increasing health-related quality of life in women from 4 to 52 weeks postpartum. The results of the studies were meta-analysed and effect sizes with confidence intervals were calculated. The Grading of Recommendations Assessment and Development and Evaluation (GRADE) system was used to determine the confidence in the effect estimates. Eighteen trials conducted across a range of countries met the inclusion criteria. Most of the exercise interventions were aerobic and coaching compared to usual care, non-intervention and active controls. Small effect sizes of exercise-based interventions in reducing depressive symptoms were observed collectively and the quality of evidence was low across the individual studies. Although exercise-based interventions could create an alternative therapeutic approach for preventing major depression in postpartum women who experience subthreshold elevated depressive symptoms, the clinical effectiveness and the cost-effectiveness of exercise-based and physical activity interventions need to be better established. There is a need for further more rigorous testing of such interventions in high-quality randomised controlled trials against active control conditions before large-scale roll-out of these interventions in clinical practice is proposed.

Efficacy of Regular Exercise During Pregnancy on the Prevention of Postpartum Depression: The PAMELA Randomized Clinical Trial

IMPORTANCE

Interventions to reduce postpartum depression have mainly focused on enhancing screening to increase treatment rates among women. Preventive approaches are timely from a population health perspective, particularly in low- and middle-income countries where access to mental health services is limited.

OBJECTIVE

To assess the efficacy of regular exercise during pregnancy on the prevention of postpartum depression.

DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS

This randomized clinical trial examines a prespecified secondary outcome of the Physical Activity for Mothers Enrolled in Longitudinal Analysis (PAMELA) Study, a parallel-group, randomized clinical trial. This trial was nested in the 2015 Pelotas (Brazil) Birth Cohort Study. Between August 27, 2014, and March 14, 2016, pregnant women between 16 and 20 weeks of gestation with no contraindications to exercise were randomized 1:2 to the intervention group or control group via computer-generated randomization using a block size of 9. Data were analyzed from March 7 to May 2, 2018.

INTERVENTIONS

Participants assigned to the intervention were engaged in a 16-week supervised exercise program including aerobic and resistance training delivered in 60-minute sessions 3 times per week.

MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES

Postpartum depressive symptoms were assessed with the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale 3 months after birth. A score of 12 or greater was defined as screening positive for postpartum depression. Primary analysis was performed on a complete case basis (90% of participants who had the primary end point ascertained).

RESULTS

A total of 639 participants (mean [SD] age, 27.1 [5.1] years; mean gestational age, 16.5 [1.5] weeks) were randomly assigned to the intervention group (n = 213) or control group (n = 426). Compliance with the protocol, defined as having engaged in at least 70% of exercise sessions, was low (40.4%). There was no significant difference in mean (SD) scores for postpartum depression between the intervention group (4.8 [3.7]) and the control group (5.4 [4.1]) (mean difference, -0.6; 95% CI, -1.3 to 0.1). There was also no significant difference in rates of postpartum depression between the intervention group (12 of 192 [6.3%]) and the control group (36 of 387 [9.3%]) (odds ratio, 0.65; 95% CI, 0.33-1.28). Instrumental variable analysis indicated that noncompliance may have attenuated the effect estimates obtained in the primary analysis.

CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE

Moderate-intensity exercise during pregnancy did not lead to significant reductions in postpartum depression. However, noncompliance to the intervention protocol was substantial and may have led to underestimations of the possible benefits of exercise. The point estimates for this study are in the same direction as the previous randomized clinical trial on this topic. Future studies on how to promote regular exercise during pregnancy to improve compliance, particularly targeting young and less educated women, are warranted before further trials are undertaken.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT02148965.

Physical activity in pregnancy and postpartum depressive symptoms in a multiethnic cohort

INTRODUCTION

There is strong evidence that postpartum depression is associated with adverse health effects in the mother and infant. Few studies have explored associations between physical activity in pregnancy and postpartum depression. We aimed to investigate whether physical activity during pregnancy was inversely associated with postpartum depressive symptoms, PPDS in a multiethnic sample.

METHOD

Population-based, prospective cohort of 643 pregnant women (58% ethnic minorities) attending primary antenatal care from early pregnancy to postpartum in Oslo between 2008 and 2010. Data on demographics and health outcomes were collected during standardized interviews. PPDS was defined by a sum score ≥10 from the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS), 3 months after birth. Physical activity was recorded with Sense Wear™ Pro3 Armband (SWA) in gestational week 28 and defined as moderate-to-vigorous intensity physical activity (MVPA) accumulated in bouts ≥10 min.

RESULTS

Women who accumulated ≥150 MVPA minutes/week had significantly lower risk (OR = 0.2, 95% CI: 0.06-0.90), for PPDS compared to those who did not accumulate any minutes/week of MVPA, adjusted for ethnic minority background, depressive symptoms in the index pregnancy and self-reported pelvic girdle syndrome. The results for MVPA persisted in the sub-sample of ethnic minority women.

LIMITATIONS

Numbers of cases with PPDS were limited. The SWA does not measure water activities. Due to missing data for SWA we used multiple imputations.

CONCLUSION

Women meeting the physical activity recommendation (>150 MVPA min/week) during pregnancy have a lower risk of PPDS compared to women who are not active during pregnancy.

The prevalence of sufficient physical activity among primary and high school students in Mainland China: a systematic review and meta-analysis

OBJECTIVES

This study aims to estimate the prevalence of sufficient physical activity (PA) for primary and high school students in China.

STUDY DESIGN

This is a meta-analysis study.

METHODS

The literature search was carried out using both English and Chinese online databases, including articles published from January 2005 to May 2018. Statistical analyses were performed with STATA 13.0.

RESULTS

Of 1439 articles initially retrieved, 18 studies met the inclusion criteria. The prevalence of sufficient PA among Chinese students varied from 8.96% to 56.02%. With meta-analysis, the sufficient PA prevalence was 31.1% (27.1%-35.2%). Boys were more likely to achieve sufficient PA compared to girls (boys vs girls: 42.4% vs 31.5%, P < 0.001), while urban students engaged in more sufficient PA than their rural counterparts (urban vs rural: 42.7% vs 38.5%, P < 0.001). Primary school students spent more time in overall PA than junior (primary vs junior: 45.4% vs 40.6%, P < 0.001) or senior high school students (primary vs senior: 45.4% vs 27.9%, P < 0.001). Students tended to be more physically active on weekdays than weekends (weekdays vs weekend: 57.2% vs 45.2%, P < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

The prevalence of sufficient PA was 31% among Chinese students. Intervention campaigns are needed for promoting PA level among students in China.

Women's Self-Reported Factors That Influence Their Postpartum Exercise Levels

The birth of a child is a life transition that can signal an opportunity to promote wellness and self-care. Nurses and other health care providers can encourage women to engage in exercise for physical and mental health and to enhance weight loss after birth. However, incorporating an exercise routine into life with an infant can be challenging. Sixty-two women provided feedback about their exercise patterns before and during pregnancy, and 18 of these women gave additional insight into barriers to and facilitators of exercise engagement after childbirth. Three broad categories were identified as influencing exercise patterns in the postpartum period: Time, Maternal Responsibilities, and Physical Status. Recommendations for increasing exercise include providing individualized activity suggestions, identifying exercise groups specific to postpartum women, and connecting exercise with social support for better adherence.

Rationale, design, and baseline data for the Healthy Mom II Trial: A randomized trial examining the efficacy of exercise and wellness interventions for the prevention of postpartum depression

Approximately 13-19% of women experience postpartum depression and approximately one-third of women who have a history of depression develop depression during the postpartum phase. Exercise is an efficacious intervention for depression among adults; however, few studies have examined the effect of exercise on postpartum depression. The purpose of this study was to conduct a randomized controlled trial examining the effect of exercise and wellness interventions on preventing postpartum depression among women at risk. Specifically, women (n = 450) who were on average 4.35 weeks postpartum and had a history of depression were randomly assigned to one of the following three conditions: (1) Telephone-based exercise intervention; (2) telephone-based wellness/support intervention (covered topics such as sleep, stress, and healthy eating); or (3) usual care. Both interventions lasted six months. The exercise intervention was based on social cognitive theory and the Transtheoretical model and was specifically designed to motivate postpartum women to exercise. The primary dependent variable was depression based on the Structured Clinical Diagnostic Interview (SCID). Secondary dependent variables included the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale, PHQ-9, and Perceived Stress Scale. Potential mediator variables included quality of sleep, postpartum social support, fatigue, and exercise attitudes. Questionnaires were administered at baseline, six, and nine months. The purpose of this paper is to summarize the methodology, study design, and baseline data for this study. This trial will provide important information regarding the efficacy of exercise and wellness interventions for preventing postpartum depression.

Parallels between Postpartum Disorders in Humans and Preweaning Piglet Mortality in Sows

Simple Summary

Humans and sows are both highly social species that exhibit a wide variety of maternal behaviors and responsivity to pregnancy and parturition. Piglet crushing is a production and welfare concern for the swine industry. Similar to rates of postpartum depression in humans, the performance of piglet crushing is more likely in first-time mothers. Furthermore, hormonal profiles and social factors that influence the development of this disease in humans mirror those observed in sows surrounding parturition. This article reviews the biological, social, and management factors that may be contributing to this problem of piglet crushing through the lens of how postpartum depression develops in humans. Utilizing knowledge from human psychology and animal welfare science may provide producers with management tools to mitigate piglet crushing and provide new insight into the factors that contribute to human postpartum disorders.

Abstract

Pregnancy and parturition in all mammals is accompanied with physical, psychological, social, and hormonal shifts that impact the mother physically and psychologically. Pre-weaning piglet mortality continues to be a major welfare and economic issue in U.S. swine production, running at 12–15% with crushing by the sow the major cause. Much research has focused on farrowing environment design, yet the fact that little progress has been made emphasizes that psychosocial factors may impact rates of postpartum disorders (PPD). There is a mismatch between evolved adaptations and contemporary psychosocial and management practices. Many factors associated with the development of PPD in humans are mirrored in sows that perform piglet crushing. These factors include poor mental welfare (anxiety, difficulty coping with stress), a lack of experience, a lack of social support, and individual differences in their sensitivity to hormone concentrations. Understanding what strategies are effective in preventing PPD in humans may have welfare and production benefits for sows—and sows may be a possible model for better understanding PPD in humans.

Relationship of activities outside work to sleep and depression/anxiety disorders in Korean workers: the 4th Korean working condition survey

BACKGROUND

Sleep disorders and depression/anxiety disorders are long-standing and significant problem for mental health. Also there are already known so many negative health effect of these disorders. But there were few studies to examine the association between activities outside work and forementioned disorders. So this study aimed the association of those things by using the Republic of Korean data.

METHODS

Data from 32,232 wage workers were used in the 4th Korean Working Condition Survey. General and occupational characteristics, sleep disorders, depression/anxiety disorders and activities outside work are included in questionnaire. To find the relationship between activities outside work and sleep, depression/anxiety disorders, multivariate logistic regression analysis was used after adjusting for general and occupational characteristics.

RESULTS

We observed that volunteer activities increased the odds ratio of both sleep disorders and depression/anxiety disorders(Odds ratio[OR] = 1.35, 95% confidence interval[CI]: 1.03-1.78 and OR = 1.54, 95% CI: 1.29-1.84, respectively). And self-development activities increase the odds ratio of sleep disorders(OR = 1.35, 95% CI: 1.17-1.57). Gardening activities lowered the odds ratio of depression/anxiety disorders(OR = 0.74, 95% CI: 0.59-0.94).

CONCLUSION

Some of activities outside work were related to sleep disorders and depression/anxiety disorders among Korean wage workers. Our results showed negative health effect of some kinds of activities outside work such as volunteering and self-devlopment compared to other studies that emphasized positive effect of those activities for health.

Predictors of Postpartum Exercise According to Prepregnancy Body Mass Index and Gestational Weight Gain

Background:

The study purposes were to examine (1) differences in postpartum exercise (EX) and related personal/psychological correlates in women according to prepregnancy weight and pregnancy gestational weight gain (GWG) status and (2) predictors of EX at 2 weeks, 2 months, and 6 months postpartum.

Methods:

Participants (N = 891) were recruited at maternity hospitalization and completed interviews to assess EX (Leisure-Time Exercise Questionnaire) and personal correlates (demographics, anxiety/depressive symptoms) before/during pregnancy. Telephone interviews were conducted to assess postpartum EX/psychological correlates. Women were categorized according to prepregnancy weight (normal and overweight) and pregnancy GWG status (above or within weight gain guidelines): normal-above, normal-within, overweight-above, and overweight-within.

Results:

Low levels of EX minutes were observed in all women with significant differences for strenuous EX minutes (overweight-within women had the lowest strenuous EX; normal-weight women had more strenuous EX than overweight women regardless of GWG). Correlates explained 14%–37% of the variance in postpartum EX; prepregnancy EX and pregnancy EX were strong determinants of early postpartum EX, and early postpartum EX predicted 6-month postpartum EX. Unique predictors of EX also emerged (eg, depressive symptoms for women with GWG above guidelines).

Conclusions:

These study findings highlight the benefits of EX before/during pregnancy for promoting postpartum EX and suggest tailoring postpartum EX interventions based on personal/psychological correlates to maximize effectiveness.

Effects of exercise-based interventions on postpartum depression: A meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

BACKGROUND

There is inconsistent evidence about the effect of physical activity on the prevention and treatment of depression during the postnatal period. The aim of this meta-analysis was to determine the effect of physical activity interventions during pregnancy and the postpartum period for controlling postpartum depressive symptoms.

METHODS

We systematically searched Cochrane Library Plus, Science Direct, EMBASE, CINAHL, PubMed, Web of Science, and Scopus, from January 1990 to May 2016, for randomized or nonrandomized controlled trials addressing the effect of physical activity on postpartum depression. The inverse variance-weighted method was used to compute pooled estimates of effect size and respective 95% confidence intervals (95% CI) for physical activity intervention on postpartum depression. Subgroup analyses were performed comparing women with and without postpartum depressive symptoms according to specific scales measuring this construct. Meta-regression and sensitivity analysis were computed to evaluate heterogeneity.

RESULTS

Twelve studies were included in the meta-analysis. Effect size for the relationship between physical activity interventions during pregnancy and the postpartum period on postpartum depressive symptoms was 0.41 (95% CI 0.28-0.54). Heterogeneity was I²  = 33.1% (P = .117). When subgroup analyses were done, pooled effect sizes were 0.67 (95% CI 0.44-0.90) for mothers who met postpartum depressive symptoms criteria at baseline based on specific scales, and 0.29 (95% CI 0.14-0.45) for mothers who did not meet those depressive symptoms criteria at baseline.

CONCLUSION

Physical exercise during pregnancy and the postpartum period is a safe strategy to achieve better psychological well-being and to reduce postpartum depressive symptoms.

Changes in leisure-time physical activity among Brazilian pregnant women: comparison between two birth cohort studies (2004 - 2015)

BACKGROUND

Low levels of leisure-time physical activity (LTPA) during pregnancy have been shown in studies conducted worldwide. Surveillance is extremely important to monitor the progress of physical activity patterns over time and set goals for effective interventions to decrease inactivity among pregnant women. The aim of this study was to evaluate time changes in LTPA among Brazilian pregnant women in an 11-year period (2004-2015) by comparing data from two birth cohort studies.

METHODS

Two population-based birth cohort studies were carried out in the city of Pelotas, southern Brazil, in 2004 and 2015. A total of 4244 and 4271 mothers were interviewed after delivery. Weekly frequency and duration of each session of LTPA in a typical week were reported for the pre-pregnancy period and for each trimester of pregnancy. Trends in both recommended LTPA (≥150 min/week) and any LTPA (regardless of weekly amount) were analysed overtime. Changes were also calculated separately for subgroups of maternal age, schooling, family income, parity, pre-pregnancy body mass index and pre-pregnancy LTPA.

RESULTS

The proportion of women engaged in recommended levels of LTPA pre-pregnancy increased from 11.2% (95%CI 10.0-12.2) in 2004 to 15.8% (95%CI 14.6-16.9) in 2015. During pregnancy, no changes were observed over the period for the first (10.6 to 10.9%) and second (8.7 to 7.9%) trimesters, whereas there was a decrease from 3.4% (95%CI 2.9-4.0) to 2.4% (95%CI 1.9-2.8) in the last trimester. Major decreases in LTPA in the last trimester were observed among women who were younger, with intermediate to high income, high schooling, primiparous, pre-pregnancy obese and, engaged in LTPA before pregnancy. Changes in any LTPA practice followed the same patterns described for recommended LTPA.

CONCLUSIONS

Despite the increase in the proportion of women engaged in LTPA before pregnancy between 2004 and 2005, LTPA levels remained stable during the first and second trimesters of pregnancy and declined during the third gestational trimester over the period. Interventions to encourage the maintenance of LTPA practice throughout pregnancy are urgently needed.

Physical activity and anxiety: A perspective from the World Health Survey

BACKGROUND

Despite the known benefits of physical activity (PA) among people with anxiety, little is known about PA levels in people with anxiety at the population level. This study explored the global prevalence of anxiety and its association with PA.

METHODS

Cross-sectional, community-based data from the World Health Survey was analyzed. Prevalence of anxiety was estimated for 237,964 individuals (47 countries). PA was categorized as low, moderate, and high based on the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (short form). The association between PA and anxiety was assessed by multivariable logistic regression.

RESULTS

The overall global prevalence of anxiety was 11.4% (47 countries). Across 38 countries with available data on PA, 62.5%, 20.2%, and 17.3% of the sample engaged in high, moderate, and low levels of PA respectively. The prevalence of low physical activity in those with and without anxiety was 22.9% vs. 16.6% (p<0.001) (38 countries, n=184,920). In the pooled model adjusted for socio-demographics, depression, and country, individuals engaging in low PA (vs. high PA) had 1.32 (95% CI=1.17-1.47) times higher odds for anxiety than those with high PA. Female sex, older age, lower education and wealth, and depression were also associated with low PA. At the individual country level, there was a significant positive association between low PA and anxiety in 17 of the 38 countries.

CONCLUSION

Low PA levels are associated with increased prevalence of anxiety. There is a need for longitudinal research to establish the directionality of the relationships observed.

Interventions to improve physical activity during pregnancy: a systematic review on issues of internal and external validity using the RE-AIM framework

BACKGROUND

Physical activity (PA) during pregnancy has significant health benefits for the mother and her child; however, many women reduce their activity levels during pregnancy and most are not sufficiently active. Given the important health benefits of PA during pregnancy, evidence that supports research translation is vital.

OBJECTIVES

To determine the extent to which physical activity interventions for pregnant women report on internal and external validity factors using the RE-AIM framework (reach, efficacy/effectiveness, adoption, implementation, and maintenance).

SEARCH STRATEGY

Ten databases were searched up to 1 June 2015. Eligible published papers and unpublished/grey literature were identified using relevant search terms.

SELECTION CRITERIA

Studies had to report on physical activity interventions during pregnancy, including measures of physical activity during pregnancy at baseline and at least one point post-intervention. Randomised controlled trials and quasi-experimental studies that had a comparator group were included.

DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS

Reporting of RE-AIM dimensions were summarised and synthesised across studies.

MAIN RESULTS

The reach (72.1%) and efficacy/effectiveness (71.8%) dimensions were commonly reported; however, the implementation (28.9%) and adoption (23.2%) dimensions were less commonly reported and no studies reported on maintenance.

CONCLUSIONS

This review highlights the under-reporting of issues of contextual factors in studies of physical activity during pregnancy. The translation of physical activity interventions during pregnancy could be improved through reporting of representativeness of participants, clearer reporting of outcomes, more detail on the setting and staff who deliver interventions, costing of interventions and the inclusion of process evaluations and qualitative data.

TWEETABLE ABSTRACT

The systematic review highlights the under-reporting of contextual factors in studies of physical activity during pregnancy.

The Role of Physical Activity in Preconception, Pregnancy and Postpartum Health

The rise in obesity and associated morbidity is currently one of our greatest public health challenges. Women represent a high risk group for weight gain with associated metabolic, cardiovascular, reproductive and psychological health impacts. Regular physical activity is fundamental for health and well-being with protective benefits across the spectrum of women's health. Preconception, pregnancy and the early postpartum period represent opportune windows to engage women in regular physical activity to optimize health and prevent weight gain with added potential to transfer behavior change more broadly to children and families. This review summarizes the current evidence for the role of physical activity for women in relation to preconception (infertility, assisted reproductive therapy, polycystic ovary syndrome, weight gain prevention and psychological well-being) pregnancy (prevention of excess gestational weight gain, gestational diabetes and preeclampsia as well as labor and neonatal outcomes) and postpartum (lactation and breastfeeding, postpartum weight retention and depression) health. Beneficial outcomes validate the importance of regular physical activity, yet key methodological gaps highlight the need for large, high-quality studies to clarify the optimal type, frequency, duration and intensity of physical activity required for beneficial health outcomes during preconception, pregnancy and postpartum.

Randomized Controlled Trial of an Improved Version of MobileMums, an Intervention for Increasing Physical Activity in Women with Young Children

BACKGROUND

Women with young children (<5 years) are an important group for physical activity intervention.

PURPOSE

The objective of the study was to evaluate the feasibility, acceptability, and efficacy of MobileMums-a physical activity intervention for women with young children.

METHODS

Women were randomized to MobileMums (n = 133) or a control group (n = 130). MobileMums was delivered primarily via individually tailored text messages. Moderate to vigorous physical activity (MVPA) was measured by self-report and an accelerometer at baseline, end of the intervention (13 weeks), and 6 months later (9 months). Changes were analyzed using repeated-measures models.

RESULTS

MobileMums was feasible to deliver and acceptable to women. Self-reported MVPA duration (minutes/week) and frequency (days/week) increased significantly post-intervention (13-week intervention effect 48.5 min/week, 95 % credible interval (CI) [13.4, 82.9] and 1.6 days/week, 95 % CI [0.6, 2.6]). Intervention effects were not maintained 6 months later. No effects were observed in accelerometer-derived MVPA.

CONCLUSIONS

MobileMums increased women's self-reported MVPA immediately post-intervention. Future investigations need to target sustained physical activity improvements (ACTRN12611000481976).

Care for Postpartum Depression: What Do Women and Their Partners Prefer?

PURPOSE

To compare the preferences of those who accept a mental health assessment and those who do not.

DESIGN AND METHODS

Thirty couples participated in a qualitative study. Nineteen couples accepted a mental health assessment and 11 declined.

FINDINGS

Acceptors wanted more contact with professionals. Decliners preferred support from their informal network, parental leave, and exercise. However, acceptors also cited these preferences.

PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS

Nurses should tailor care to couples' preferences, helping them identify and utilize preferred resources. Mental health care might be more acceptable to decliners if provided in obstetrical care.

Effects of structured exercise and pharmacotherapy vs. pharmacotherapy for adults with depressive symptoms: A randomized clinical trial

OBJECTIVE

Physical exercise has been consistently documented as a complementary therapy in the treatment of depressive disorders. However, despite a higher prevalence among women compared to men, the trials developed in women are scarce. In addition, the optimal dosage of exercise capable of producing benefits that reduce depressive symptoms remains unclear. This clinical trial is designed to measure the effect of a structured physical exercise program as a complement to antidepressant medication in the treatment of women with depression.

METHODS

From July 2013 to May 2014, we implemented a randomized controlled trial (HAPPY BRAIN study). A total of 26 women (aged 50.16 ± 12.08) diagnosed with clinical depression were randomized either to a supervised aerobic exercise group (45-50 min/week three times a week for four months) plus pharmacotherapy (intervention group), or only antidepressant medication (control group).

RESULTS

The exercise group presented a decrease in BDI-II and DASS-21 total score scales. Relatively to DASS-21, it showed a significant decrease in anxiety and stress. The exercise group when compared to a control group showed improvement in relation to physical functioning parameters between baseline and post-intervention. Moreover, anthropometric parameters presented only significant differences between groups in fat mass percentage. Nonetheless, no differences were found between groups in weight, body mass index, waist circumference, and self-esteem.

CONCLUSION

Our results showed that supervised structured aerobic exercise training could be an effective adjuvant therapy for treating women with depression, reducing depressive symptomatology and improving physical fitness. A key factor of this improvement included strict control of exercise workload parameters and adjustment to each subject's capacity. In our study, due to the sample size there is an increase in the probability of type II errors.

Dads Get Sad Too: Depressive Symptoms and Associated Factors in Expectant First-Time Fathers

This cross-sectional study aims to determine the prevalence and determinants of depressive symptoms in first-time expectant fathers during their partner's third trimester of pregnancy. As part of a prospective study examining depressive symptoms in men over the first postnatal year, 622 men (mean age = 34.3 years, ±5.0 years) completed standardized online self-report questionnaires measuring depressed mood, physical activity, sleep quality, social support, marital adjustment, life events, financial stress, and demographics during their partner's third trimester of pregnancy. The Edinburgh Depression Scale was used to assess depressed mood. Partners also completed the Edinburgh Depression Scale in the third trimester. The results revealed that 13.3% of expectant fathers exhibited elevated levels of depressive symptoms during their partner's third trimester of pregnancy. Significant independent factors associated with antenatal depressive symptoms in men were poorer sleep quality, family history of psychological difficulties, lower perceived social support, poorer marital satisfaction, more stressful life events in the preceding 6 months, greater number of financial stressors, and elevated maternal antenatal depressive symptoms. These findings highlight the importance of including fathers in the screening and early prevention efforts targeting depression during the transition to parenthood, which to date have largely focused only on women. Strategies to promote better sleep, manage stress, and mobilize social support may be important areas to address in interventions tailored to new fathers at risk for depression during the transition to parenthood.

Physical activity during pregnancy and maternal-child health (PAMELA): study protocol for a randomized controlled trial

Background

Preterm birth is associated with most cases of neonatal deaths and negative health outcomes, and hypertensive disorders. Hypertension is influenced by maternal behavior, such as physical activity. Physical activity is associated with better outcomes for mother and fetus, besides healthier weight gains during pregnancy. Few women are physically active during pregnancy and few clinical trials have been carried out with pregnant women. The aim of this paper is to describe the protocol of a controlled trial evaluating whether regular exercise during pregnancy may result in improved maternal-child health and neonatal outcomes.

Methods/Design

The PAMELA (Physical Activity for Mothers Enrolled in Longitudinal Analysis) trial is a randomized controlled trial nested in a birth cohort study. Eligible women belonging to the birth cohort will be invited (between the 16th and 20th week of gestation) to enroll in the trial. Baseline data (blood and urine samples, anthropometry and pulmonary function) will be collected at enrollment. The same assessments will be repeated eight and 16 weeks after baseline. After randomization, women will be allocated into either one of these groups: control, 426 women who will be advised to keep their usual daily activities; and intervention, 213 women who will engage in an exercise program, three sessions a week. At least 70 % attendance over 16 weeks will be required to be considered compliant to the intervention. Exercise protocol will include aerobics, strength and flexibility training. Maternal and child outcomes will be measured at the 36th week of gestation, at birth and at three, 12, 24 and 48 months postpartum. An intention-to-treat analysis will be performed.

Discussion

Few women are active during pregnancy and a vast majority decrease their activities or even quit exercising. We present a population-based regular exercise intervention focused on the prevention of hypertension, pre-eclampsia and preterm birth. Data on the underlying cohort will allow future analysis using different outcomes with low probability of recall bias or misclassification of exposure status. Results will potentially influence prenatal care counseling in regards to physical activity.

Trial registration

Clinicaltrials.gov identifier: NCT02148965, registered on 22 May 2014.

Trajectories of depressive symptoms over 2 years postpartum among overweight or obese women

BACKGROUND

Although depressive symptoms are common postpartum, few studies have followed women beyond 12 months postpartum to investigate changes in the number and severity of these symptoms over time, especially in overweight and obese women. Using two complementary analytical methods, this study aims to identify trajectories of depressive symptoms over 2 years postpartum among overweight or obese mothers, and assess the demographic, socioeconomic, and health covariates for these trajectories.

METHODS

Using longitudinal data from two behavioral intervention studies (Kids and Adults Now!-Defeat Obesity [KAN-DO] and Active Mothers Postpartum (AMP); n = 844), we used latent growth modeling to identify the overall trajectory of depressive symptoms and how it was related to key covariates. Next, we used latent class growth analysis to assess the heterogeneity in the depressive symptom trajectories over time, and thereby, identify subgroups of women with distinct trajectories.

FINDINGS

The overall trajectory of depressive symptoms over 2 years postpartum was relatively stable in our sample. However, the presence of three distinct latent class trajectories (stable-low [82.5%], decreasing symptoms [7.3%], and increasing symptoms [10.2%]), identified based on trajectory shape and mean depressive symptom score, supported heterogeneity in depressive symptom trajectories over time. Lower maternal education was related to a higher symptom score, and poorer subjective health status at baseline predicted inclusion in the increasing symptoms trajectory.

CONCLUSIONS

In some overweight or obese mothers, postpartum depressive symptoms do not resolve quickly. Practitioners should be aware of this phenomenon and continue to screen for depression for longer periods of time postpartum.

Family influences on physical activity and sedentary behaviours in Chinese junior high school students: a cross-sectional study

Background

Family influence plays an important role in a child’s physical activity (PA). This study aimed to describe the level of moderate to vigorous intensity physical activity (MVPA) and sedentary behaviours among Chinese junior high school students and examine the associations between different types of family influence and MVPA or sedentary behaviours.

Methods

Participants of two independent cross-sectional surveys, conducted in 2009 and 2011, were students in Grade 7 and 9 from all junior high schools in Hangzhou, China. The daily duration and frequency of MVPA, amount of sedentary time and frequency of family support were self-reported. Multi-level mixed-effects logistic regression was used to examine the associations between different types or levels of family influence and MVPA or sedentary behaviours.

Results

A total of 7286 students were analysed finally. Overall, only 9.0% of the students participated in MVPA at least 60 minutes/day; 63.9% spent no more than 2 hours/day in sedentary behaviours. Frequent verbal encouragement and watching were associated with less leisure-time sedentary behaviours. The multivariate-adjusted odds ratios (ORs) for verbal encouragement and watching were 1.29 (95% CI, 1.08 to 1.55) and 1.19 (95% CI, 0.97 to 1.45) for 5-7 days per week. The involvement of family in the children’s activity in most days of the week was associated with both higher level of MVPA and less leisure-time sedentary behaviours. The respective ORs among students who reported familial support 5-7 days per week, were 1.50 (95% CI, 1.21 to 1.86) for engaging in seven days of MVPA per week, 1.67 (95% CI, 1.19 to 2.32) for at least 60 minutes of MVPA daily, and 1.48 (95% CI, 1.19 to 1.84) for no more than 2 hours of leisure-time sedentary behaviours daily.

Conclusions

This study found that less than 10.0% of urban Chinese adolescents engaged in MVPA at least 60 minutes/day. Family involving themselves in the children’s activity exerted the most significant influence on children’s behaviours as compared with verbally encouraging and observing children’s activity. Any type of familial support including verbally encouraging, watching, and involving had effects on reducing leisure-time sedentary behaviours.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12889-015-1593-9) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.