EFFECT OF MODERATE INTENSITY AQUATIC PHYSICAL EXERCISES DURING PREGNANCY ON POSTPARTUM DEPRESSION: A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW

Pregnancy is a process characterized by a progression of physiological, and psychological changes in the body of woman that start when the ovum is fertilized and continue until several months after the birth of the baby. These progressions can be cardiovascular, respiratory, hematological, renal, urinary, gastrointestinal, metabolic, and dermatological. Hemodynamic changes seen during this period are increase in heart rate at rest and cardiac output, and decrease in the peripheral vascular resistance. Psychological disorders that might emerge in this period include anxiety, stress, instability, fear, and depression. Occurrence of major or minor depressive episodes are among the most common medical complications during pregnancy and after childbirth. Method: Records were identied using different search terms through database research and other resources. Studies were selected after the removal of duplicates across databases or with different search terms. Screening of records was done according to inclusion and exclusion criteria. Result: 5 randomized controlled trials were identied. Their characteristics, including a summary of their results and conclusions, are shown in Table 1. These randomized controlled trials are focusing on the effect of aquatic exercises during pregnancy on postpartum depression. Only limited data being available, studies concluded a heterogeneous result, and further research is required to conrm and extend its role. Conclusion: The evidence presented in this systematic review suggest that aquatic exercises are helpful in preventing symptoms of postpartum depression.