Reducing Risk of PPD with Diet and Exercise

During pregnancy, women experience all kinds of emotions. it is not uncommon to

experience excitement to anxiety or happiness to nervousness, even in the length of just one single day. However, if you are experiencing symptoms of Postpartum depression, it is important to discuss with your healthcare provider and should be taken very seriously. In a meta-analysis of 59 studies from various countries, the estimated average prevalence of PPD was 13%.2 Many women do not picture PPD affecting themselves or their pregnancy, but it is important to pay attention to any signs or symptoms that may occur.

The good news is, there are a variety of ways to reduce your risk of developing PPD: DIET AND EXERCISE. These two things go hand in hand in benefitting the overall health of everyone, and it makes sense that they would reduce the risk of PPD. If you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant soon, it is important to develop a regular exercise routine that is right for you. Deanna Schober, a mother of four, explains how her healthy lifestyle in her fourth pregnancy helped her beat PPD without drugs. With her first three pregnancies, a healthy lifestyle was not a concern to her and she experienced mild to severe episodes of PPD.1 After a major lifestyle change a few years before, Deanna was very healthy when deciding to become pregnant for the fourth time. By maintaining regular exercise, proper diet, and an overall healthy lifestyle, not only was her fourth pregnancy much more pleasant, but she was also able to control the moderate to low PPD symptoms she experienced, wIthout medicine!1

This story is a great indication of how a healthy lifestyle before, during, and after pregnancy can reduce the risk of developing PPD. Exercising is a great way to improve your mood, boost energy, and feel good about yourself.

1Schober, D. (2014, May 14). How I Beat Postpartum Depression Without Drugs (This Time) - Fit To Be Pregnant. Retrieved October 6, 2014, from http://fittobepregnant.com/2014/05/14/beat-postpartum-depression-without-drugs-time/

2Daley, A., MacArthur, C., & Heather, W. (2007, January 1). The Role of Exercise in Treating Postpartum Depression: A Review of the Literature. Retrieved October 5, 2014.http://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/551030_1