Physical Activity Can Help Ease Postpartum Depression [Study]

Several women have opened up about their postpartum depression (PPD) experience, with many struggling with the condition. A new study suggests that there's a free solution that could help ease PPD symptoms.

Aerobics Exercise For Postpartum Depression

Psychological therapies and medicines are part of the conventional treatment for postpartum depression. Up to 90% of patients receive no treatment due to exorbitant expenses and possible adverse effects. However, a recent study indicates that there might be a different, cost-free, and side-effect-free method of treating and preventing postpartum depression.

According to Renyi Liu, a researcher at the School of Physical Education at the China University of Geosciences in Wuhan, China, roughly 13 million worldwide are diagnosed with postpartum depression annually. Approximately 50 percent to 75 percent of mothers encounter mild depressive symptoms, while around 10 percent to 15 percent experience PTSD within the initial week following childbirth.

"Physical activity can release neurotransmitters such as endorphins and dopamine, improving mood," Liu said. "Additionally, exercise aids in improving sleep, reducing anxiety, and enhancing self-esteem, common symptoms of postpartum depression."

Several researches have indicated that exercise can alleviate the symptoms of postpartum depression. However, the precise amount of exercise needed has not been determined yet.

Liu and colleagues performed a systemic meta-analysis of 26 research examining the effect of aerobic exercise on postpartum depression therapy and prevention to determine which exercise regimens are the most beneficial. The researchers looked at the benefits of group exercise, supervised exercise, and various frequencies and intensities of exercise, analyzing data from over 2,800 participants.

"Research indicates that aerobic exercises, such as walking, jogging, and swimming, are particularly effective in alleviating postpartum depression symptoms," Liu explained. "These activities help increase heart rate, promote blood circulation, and elevate neurotransmitter levels in the brain."

The team also discovered that exercisers who worked out in groups and under supervision saw somewhat greater symptom relief than individuals who worked out alone. Compared to low-intensity exercise (50-60 minutes) and high-intensity exercise (20-30 minutes), moderate-intensity exercise for 35-45 minutes also appeared to have a greater impact on depressed symptoms.

Based on their findings, the team determined that moderate-intensity exercise performed three to four times a week for 35 to 45 minutes is ideal. However, Liu advises speaking with your doctor before beginning any new fitness program, particularly in the immediate aftermath of giving birth.

Motherhood Changes Women Permanently

Whether one experiences postpartum depression or not, a woman's brain structure changes permanently after pregnancy. A team of researchers learned this after comparing the behavior of pregnant female mice to unpregnant mice.

They found a group of particular nerve cells in the brain's coordinating center, the hypothalamus, that had previously been connected to parenting style. These nerve cells contain high concentrations of receptor molecules that bind to the responsive hormones progesterone and estrogen.

Removing the pregnant mice from the cells appeared to interfere with normal parenting behavior but did not affect the virgin mice.

They subsequently concentrated on the effects of these hormones binding to their receptors on the brain activity of the mother mice. Estrogen temporarily affected these nerve cells, increasing their excitability and decreasing their basal activity. On the other hand, progesterone continued to change the animals' brains.

Progesterone binds to its receptor to cause the production of what are known as dendritic spines, which are small protrusions on the areas of neurons that receive information. This changes how these neurons are integrated into the brain's parental networks. These spines bring new inputs onto these neurons.

Progesterone appears to promote the formation of new neural communication sites indirectly. According to Johannes Kohl, it's intriguing since these modifications are long-lasting and permanently alter the brain.

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