Effect of Exercise on Perinatal Depression

Fifteen percent of women experience depression during pregnancy or postpartum (i.e., perinatal depression). Furthermore, 38% of low income women experience postpartum depression. Given few women with perinatal depression seek treatment, there is a need for innovative, low cost interventions that can be integrated within existing community-based programs serving women in need (e.g., low income women). The primary aim of this study is to examine the efficacy of a novel exercise intervention designed to prevent perinatal depression among women attending federally qualified health centers serving high risk women.

Approximately 15% of women experience perinatal depression (depression during pregnancy or postpartum). Furthermore, 38% of low income women experience postpartum depression (Gree-Smith et al., 2012). Perinatal depression is associated with numerous maternal (e.g., weight retention), infant (e.g., poor infant-child bond), and lifespan (e.g., behavior problems) consequences (Barker et al., 2011, Herring et al., 2008, Hipwell et al., 2000). Psychosocial interventions are efficacious for perinatal depression; however, only 10% of women seek treatment (Oppo et al., 2009). There is a need for innovative, low cost interventions that can be integrated within existing community-based programs serving women in need (e.g., low income women). Preliminary evidence indicates that exercise may be a novel, efficacious intervention. The primary aim of this study is to examine the efficacy of a novel exercise intervention designed to prevent perinatal depression among women attending federally qualified health centers serving high risk women. Possible effects on gestational weight gain and retention will also be explored. This study will build upon the study team's previous work by recruiting low income women and integrating the intervention with community-based clinics. Participants (n=200) who are low income and pregnant (less than 20 weeks) will be randomly assigned to either a telephone-based intervention that has been previously shown to increase exercise among perinatal women (Lewis et al., 2011) or usual care. With regard to the primary aim, the investigators predict that participants randomized to the exercise intervention will report fewer depressive symptoms (as measured by Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale) at 36 weeks gestation and three months postpartum than women in the usual care condition. The secondary aim is to examine the efficacy of an exercise intervention on moderating prenatal weight gain and facilitating postpartum weight loss. The investigators will also examine several potential mediators (e.g., depression coping, self-efficacy, perceived stress, sleep, fatigue) and the effect of the exercise intervention on maternal (e.g., hypertension, gestational diabetes, mode of delivery) and infant outcomes (e.g., birth weight, gestational age at delivery, breastfeeding, safe sleep).