How to reduce your risk for postpartum depression
It's tough to know how many people suffer postpartum depression (there's indication that men can have it, too), but for women, it's thought to be 13% or more. And it has increased dramatically over the past decade or so, with a 60% increase among whites and a 140% increase among Blacks, according to a study in the American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology. This increase can be correlated with the increase in sedentary behavior and obesity.
Now a new study in BMJ Sports Medicine has found that as little as 80 minutes weekly of moderate-intensity exercise, such as brisk walking, water aerobics, stationary cycling or resistance training, cuts the risk for postpartum depression nearly in half and eases the severity of depression and anxiety if it does occur.
According to ACOG, you should consult your obstetrician before starting an exercise routine when you're pregnant. Ask about modified yoga and Pilates routines, and experienced runners or joggers should discuss how to continue the activity during pregnancy.
If you are overweight or obese, we suggest you consult a nutritionist to find out how to manage potential pregnancy weight gain that will only make exercise -- and the pregnancy -- more difficult. (If you are not yet pregnant but are thinking about it, make a plan to lose weight first.)
For more help having a happy postnatal experience, check out our books "YOU: Having a Baby" and "YOU Raising Your Child" and check out "6 Practical Fitness Tips for New Moms" and "How to Maintain a Self-Care Routine as A New Mom" at iHerb.com/blog.
Dr. Mike Roizen is the founder of www.longevityplaybook.com, and Dr. Mehmet Oz is global advisor to www.iHerb.com, the world's leading online health store. Roizen and Oz are chief wellness officer emeritus at Cleveland Clinic and professor emeritus at Columbia University, respectively. Together they have written 11 New York Times bestsellers (four No. 1's).
(c)2024 Michael Roizen, M.D.
Distributed by King Features Syndicate, Inc.
(c) 2024 Michael Roizen, M.D. Distributed by King Features Syndicate, Inc.
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