In September 2019 researchers from Poland published their review of the medical scientific literature to assess the relationship between physical activity during pregnancy, the puerperium (the 6 weeks after childbirth during which time the mother’s reproductive organs return to their original non-pregnant condition) and in the post-natal period with the risk of post-natal depression. Post-natal depression develops within one month of childbirth and can last up to a year. A total of 16 studies were included in the review. Results showed that, compared to inactivity, regular physical activity during pregnancy, puerperium, or postnatal period reduced the risk of developing post-natal depression.
Kołomańska-Bogucka D, Mazur-Bialy A. Physical Activity and the Occurrence of Postnatal Depression-A Systematic Review. Medicina (Kaunas). 2019 Sep 2;55(9). pii: E560.