Antenatal depression: a rationale for studying exercise

Abstract

Background Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) in pregnancy, or antenatal depression poses unique treatment challenges and has serious consequences for mothers, unborn babies, and families when untreated. This review presents current knowledge on exercise during pregnancy, antidepressant effects of exercise, and the rationale for the specific study of exercise for antenatal depression. Method A systematic literature review was performed using English language articles published in Medline, PsycINFO, CINAHL, and the Cochrane Library from 1985 to January 2010. Results There is a broad literature supporting the antidepressant effects of exercise, but a paucity of studies specifically for antenatal depression. A small number of observational studies have reported that regular physical activities improve self-esteem and reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression during pregnancy. To date, there have not been randomized controlled studies of exercise for the treatment of MDD in pregnant women. Conclusions Systematic studies are needed to assess exercise as a treatment alternative for MDD during pregnancy. In consideration of the benefits of exercise for the mother and baby, and the burden of depression, studies are needed to determine the role of exercise for pregnant women with depression.

Mental health and physical inactivity during pregnancy: a cross-sectional study nested in the BRISA cohort study

“…It is important to obtain a better understanding of the barriers to practicing physical activity, especially those related to mental health 19,20 . Women are more vulnerable to mental health problems during pregnancy due to the intense psychological and biological changes that occur during this period 19,21 .…”

Acute High-Intensity Exercise Improves Mood during the Second Trimester of Pregnancy

“…Therefore, methods such as exercise that can improve short and long-term mood status are critical to overall health as psychological health and physical health are closely associated [20]. Anxiety and stress can have negative implications for maternal and neonatal health outcomes [21], so any efforts made to reduce stress and anxiety may also elicit improvements in maternal and neonatal health [22]. A previous study by Gaston and Prapavessis (2013) examining depressive mood scores in pregnant women in response to an exercise program reported a reduction in depressive symptoms after a four-week intervention [23].…”

Is There a Link between Exercise and Male Factor Infertility?

“…Interestingly enough, the first scientifically based link between physical health and exercise, or lack of it, was only reported as recently as 1953 by Jerry Morris [2,3]. Since then, exercise has been regarded as a universal remedy for psychological and physical wellbeing, from preventing chronic health conditions to promoting weight loss and better sleep as underlined by numerous scientific studies [4][5][6][7][8][9]. Furthermore, Vaamonde et al have observed that physically active subjects have better semen parameters and hormone levels than sedentary subjects [10,11].…”