Many women joke around that pregnancy is the time to eat whatever you want to “please the baby” and to relax and not focus so much on keeping a certain figure. However, experts suggest that avoiding exercise during pregnancy really could harm your health -- specifically your mental health.
A recent study published in Psychology & Health states that exercising during pregnancy could reduce fatigue and boost mood.
After just four weeks of being involved in an exercise intervention group (which includes at least 30 minutes of moderate exercise at least four times a week) previously inactive pregnant women experienced a decrease in depression, anger, tension, fatigue and anxiety. They also experienced an increase in vigor, according to the study.
There were 56 participants, and the women were about 30 years old on average, and about 22.5 weeks pregnant. The study mentioned that between 60 and 75 percent of pregnant women are inactive, despite recommendations for exercise. Many pregnant women experience mood problems, and almost all experience some fatigue.
“These findings suggest that as little as four weeks of exercise participation is associated with decreases in negative mood states and anxiety among previously inactive healthy adult pregnant women,” the researchers concluded.
“From a psychological health perspective, these findings highlight the importance of continuing to promote exercise during pregnancy.”
Holly Parker, a licensed psychologist and exercise intervention expert, said in an email that the associations among mood disorders, fatigue and a sedentary lifestyle are influenced by several factors.
“Research suggests that body image dissatisfaction, which can occur as women's bodies change over the course of pregnancy, predicts the development of depression,” Parker said. “Given that exercise can help curb weight gain, this would also likely have a positive impact on body image.”
She said sedentary behavior can contribute to depression even in women who aren’t pregnant, as well.
“Research points to a connection between physical inactivity and feelings of fatigue,” Parker said.