Exercise can help cut risk of ‘baby blues’

A new study published in the BJSM (British Journal of Sports Medicine) suggests that new mothers can reduce the risk of developing postnatal depression if they can find time to exercise for more than an hour every week.

Exercising for at least 80 minutes each week could also help reduce symptoms among new mothers who have depression or anxiety, researchers found.

But they should balance exercise with their recovery from childbirth, experts said.

They could restart exercise with “gentle” walks, which they can do with their babies, and then increase to “moderate” activity when they are ready, they added.

NOTE: Always consult your physician before starting a new exercise regime or when your personal situation has changed.