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It is normal for women to get the "baby blues" after giving birth, but if it gets to be more intense and lasts longer than usual, it may be postpartum depression.

More than just feeling stressed, sad, anxious, lonely, tired, or emotional, postpartum depression or PPD is a mood disorder that presents differently in every case. Some women report having psychotic symptoms like delusions and hallucinations, while others experience milder symptoms. In any case, PPD is treatable.

Exercise and postpartum depression

In a recent study, researchers found that mothers who engage in moderate, regular exercise alleviate postpartum depression symptoms. The link between exercise and PPD is not new. In a study from 2019, researchers said that physical activity during pregnancy was an essential factor in the prevention of depressive disorders postnatal. Another study from 2021 involving the analysis of 52 records resulted in the same findings.

While past studies had already shown that exercise did help relieve symptoms of postpartum depression, no report singled out which type of exercise was best or how much should be done. Through the recent meta-analysis of 26 studies, the researchers found that aerobic exercises like jogging, walking and swimming all showed positive effects. These types of exercise are known to increase the heart rate, promote blood flow and boost neurotransmitters in the brain, which are all good for new moms.

They also found that group exercises and activities give better results than exercises done alone. They recommend doing exercise for 30 to 45 minutes per session three times a week to get the best results.