Physical Activity during Pregnancy and its Association with Functional Status, Mood and Fatigue after Childbirth in Oviparous Mothers: A Cohort Study.

Abstract

Abstract: Background first few months after childbirth in new mothers. Physical activity in pregnancy period may reduce the symptoms of depression, mood disorder and improve functional status in the postpartum. This study was aimed to investigate the relationship between physical activity in pregnancy and postpartum functional status, mood and fatigue in nulliparous women.Methods: This cohort study was carried out on 165 nulliparous women 18-35 years old referred to health centers of Tehran. Pregnant women were selected by proportional distribution to each center. International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ) was completed by pregnant women in 28-34 weeks and they categorized into two mild (68 patients), moderate and severe (97 cases) groups, according to the physical activity level. Follow-up in both groups continued until 6 weeks postpartum and Inventory of Functional Status after Childbirth (IFSAC), Fatigue Symptoms Checklist (FCS) stress, anxiety and depression (DASS) questionnaires were completed at the end of 6 weeks postpartum period. Mann-Whitney U, independent-t and chi-square tests were used for analysing of data. Findings: There was no statistically significant difference between the two groups in terms of socio-demographic and obstetric characteristics (P=0.032), expect monthly income sufficient. Also, there was no statistically significant difference between physical activity levels in pregnancy with total score of physical activity in postpartum (P=0.271), functional status (P=0.279) and its sub domains, including the responsibilities of home (P=0.250), social activities (P=0.414), baby care (P=0.137) and self care (P=0.260). There was no statistically significant difference between study groups in total score of fatigue (P=0.459) and its sub domains, including physical (P= 0. 532) and subjective fatigue (P=0.307) in the postpartum period.There was no difference between the groups in terms of total mean scores of stress (P=0.725), anxiety (P=0.647) and depression (P=0.786) at the end of study. Also, there was no relationship between physical activity and different levels of postpartum mood. There was no significant association between the two groups in terms of labor experience and postpartum information expect the variables of labor pain (P=0.025) and delivery types (P=0.039).Conclusion: The results of this study suggest that there was no relationship between physical activity during pregnancy and postpartum functional status and mood. Controlled clinical trials are recommended to determine the effectiveness of the intervention program of regular physical activity on postpartum functional status, fatique and mood.