A recent study published in the International Journal of Gynecology & Obstetrics found that different forms of exercise can alleviate prenatal and postnatal anxiety and depression.
For individuals affected by fetal and neonatal alloimmune thrombocytopenia (FNAIT), which can contribute to pregnancy-related psychiatric symptoms, these findings may translate to improved maternal well-being.
According to the authors, one in seven perinatal individuals are impacted by depression, while one in five are impacted by anxiety. “These negative psychological states are associated with an increased risk of preterm birth, poorer developmental outcomes in infants, and even disability and suicide in mothers,” they emphasized.
Medication is typically not recommended initially for these patients due to potential safety concerns, highlighting the need for more research on non-pharmacological interventions including exercise.
The study included 3843 individuals across 43 randomized controlled trials that investigated the effects of exercise on perinatal depression and anxiety. The included studies involved either programs designed to promote physical activity or exercise implementation programs.
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Over the prenatal period, mind-body and aerobic exercise were associated with improved symptoms of depression and anxiety compared with controls.
When investigating specific types of exercise, Pilates, walking, cycling and yoga were the four most effective exercises for improving depression. No specific exercise was significantly associated with improved symptoms of anxiety. Yoga, walking and Pilates were estimated to be the most effective interventions, though.
While aerobic exercise had the highest ranked efficacy for prenatal depression, mind-body exercise was most effective for postnatal depression. Mind-body exercise was also most effective for prenatal anxiety. However, the authors were unable to conduct an analysis for postnatal anxiety due to limited data.
“In practice, personalized exercise interventions might hold promise for delivering more precise and effective mental health benefits,” the authors concluded.
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