Study Examines Methods for Reducing Risk of Post-Natal Depression

Postnatal depression can be a debilitating condition for new mothers, but studies are demonstrating effective methods for improving postnatal well-being and reducing the risk for postnatal depression (PND).
A recent release in the Science Daily showed that a physical therapy exercise and health education program is effective in reducing PND. This major health issue affects up to 13 percent of all new mothers throughout the world. Most cases begin in the first three months of the postnatal period.
The duration of PND can vary among different mothers, which is thought to be determined by socio-cultural factors, including the self-esteem of the mother, the childbirth experience and the availability of support and local services.
Earlier studies done in this area have shown that standard exercise can improve the state of mood in younger and older women, improves well-being and leads to a reduction in depressive symptoms in mothers diagnosed with PND. By contrast, there are no studies conducted to evaluate the benefits of group physical therapy exercise approaches to improve psychological health outcomes of women in the postnatal stage.
“Giving birth involves many changes in a woman’s physical, emotional, and social health,” said Mary P. Galea, BAppSci (Physio), BA, PhD, in the Science Daily. Galea is a Professor of Clinical Physiotherapy in the School of Physiotherapy at the University of Melbourne, Victoria, Australia, one of the authors of this study.
“A group exercise program led by a physical therapist, who is an expert in improving and restoring motion to people’s daily lives, can help mothers who may be at risk for PND improve their well-being and enable them to better care for their children.”