Physical activity and depressive symptoms after stillbirth: informing future interventions

Abstract

BackgroundIn the United States, approximately one in 110 pregnancies end in stillbirth affecting more than 26,000 women annually. Women experiencing stillbirth have a threefold greater risk of developing depressive symptoms compared to women experiencing live birth. Depression contributes negatively to health outcomes for both mothers and babies subsequent to stillbirth. Physical activity may improve depression in these women, however, little is known about acceptable physical activity interventions for women after stillbirth. This is the purpose of this descriptive exploratory study.MethodsEligible women were between ages 19 and 45, and experienced stillbirth within one year of the study. An online survey was used to ask questions related to 1) pregnancy and family information (i.e., time since stillbirth, weight gain during pregnancy, number of other children) 2) physical activity participation, 3) depressive symptomatology, and 4) demographics.ResultsOne hundred seventy-five women participated in the study (M age = 31.26 ± 5.52). Women reported participating in regular physical activity (at least 150 minutes of moderate activity weekly) before (60%) and during (47%) their pregnancy, as well as after their stillbirth (61%). Only 37% were currently meeting physical activity recommendations. Approximately 88% reported depression (i.e., score of >10 on depression scale). When asked how women cope with depression, anxiety, or grief, 38% said physical activity. Of those that reported using physical activity to cope after stillbirth, they did so to help with depression (58%), weight loss (55%), and better overall physical health (52%). To cope with stillbirth, women used walking (67%), followed by jogging (35%), and yoga (23%). Women who participated in physical activity after stillbirth reported significantly lower depressive symptoms (M = 15.10, SD = 5.32) compared to women who did not participate in physical activity (M = 18.06, SD = 5.57; t = -3.45, p = .001).ConclusionsPhysical activity may serve as a unique opportunity to help women cope with the multiple mental sequelae after stillbirth. This study provides data to inform healthcare providers about the potential role of physical activity in bereavement and recovery for women who have experienced stillbirth. Additional research is necessary in this vulnerable population.

Do stillbirth, miscarriage, and termination of pregnancy increase risks of attempted and completed suicide within a year? A population‐based nested case–control study

“…In addition to providing appropriate care to help women cope with depression and profound grief, preventing suicidal behaviour in women after stillbirth, miscarriage, and termination of pregnancy should be emphasised. Providing appropriate and sensitive care, as well as physical activity interventions, has been suggested to help women manage the multiple mental sequelae after a stillbirth or miscarriage.…”

Infertility and Perinatal Loss: When the Bough Breaks

“…Physical activity may help as shown in a recent study, which found that in women within a year of stillbirth, those who reported higher levels of physical activity reported lower levels of depressive symptoms [110]. …”

Validation of the Pregnancy Physical Activity Questionnaire (PPAQ)

“…Regular exercise helped to maintain cardiovascular fitness levels throughout pregnancy, recovery of shape after childbirth [6], and improved sleep quality in pregnant women [7]. In case of miscarriage, women who were physically active reported significantly lower symptoms of depression compared to women who were not active [8]. Physical activity in combination with a proper diet during pregnancy also reduced the risk of overweight and obesity in women after childbirth [9] as well as the risk of overweight and obesity in the later years of the child's life [10].…”