A systematic review and meta-analysis of 35 studies with 4072 participants found that postpartum exercise reduces the severity of depressive and anxiety symptoms in individuals within the first year after childbirth. Initiating exercise within 12 weeks postpartum was associated with greater reductions in depressive symptoms. Postpartum exercise-only interventions resulted in a moderate reduction in depressive symptoms and a small reduction in anxiety symptoms. Exercise within 12 weeks postpartum was linked to a 45% reduction in the odds of developing depression. Further research is needed to explore the effects of postpartum exercise on individuals with perinatal complications and its lasting impact on maternal mental health.
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Exercise Eases Postpartum Depression
