Does Being Physically Active During the Postpartum Period Provide Any Health Benefits?
Available evidence has shown maternal physical activity during the postpartum period is associated with enhanced mood (165;176;177), increased cardiovascular fitness (177;178), and obesity prevention (179). Larson-Meyer (177) reviewed approximately 60 cross-sectional studies and RCTs on postpartum weight reduction, specifically, looking at postpartum exercise. When compared to no physical activity, moderate physical activity did not appear to increase postpartum weight reduction unless caloric restriction was included. Studies also have showed that moderate intensity aerobic exercise did not adversely affect milk volume, composition, or infant growth (165;177;180). Some longitudinal data on future disease risk come from Rooney and colleagues (179) who examined nearly 800 women immediately postpartum and again 15 years later. Disease and risk factor development (diabetes, heart disease, dyslipidemia, and hypertension) were directly related to weight gain over 15 years. Women who continu
