Background: The possible association between physical activity and symptoms of depression during pregnancy and post partum has not been examined in Norway. The objectives of this study were to track levels of physical activity of pregnant women and to examine possible differences in symptoms of depression and prenatal complaints.
Materials and methods: 203 pregnant women in Oslo aged 18 to 40 completed the depression scale of the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS-D) and a self-developed questionnaire.
Results: Their average physical activity was two hours and 36 minutes per week; 70% were active during at least two trimesters. The most popular activities reported were walking, aerobics and swimming. Respondents who had high score on the HADS-D test during pregnancy and/or post partum had significantly more pre-natal complaints than those with a normal score. Pregnant women defined as moderately physically active during the third trimester had significantly lower scores on the HADS-D test six weeks after birth than the not-active. There was also a significant inverse correlation between test score and amount of physical activity.
Interpretation: This study indicates that women who are physically active during pregnancy have lower scores on a test measuring depressive symptoms during pregnancy and post partum. However, randomised controlled prospective studies are necessary in order to confirm the possible association.