New mothers urged to take part in postnatal depression study

Friday February 11th, 2011

Mothers with young babies are being urged to take part in a six-month study into the effects of physical activity on postnatal depression.

Researchers in Primary Care and Clinical Sciences at the University of Birmingham, UK, are looking to see if being physically active can help reduce the symptoms of PND.

Dr Amanda Daley, who is leading the research, said about ten per cent of new mothers develop postnatal depression and they are often prescribed antidepressants and offered “talking therapies”, if available.

“Depression following childbirth can have a substantial impact on the woman, the child and the family as a whole,” she said.

“There is therefore a need to examine ways of helping women experiencing PND, and encouraging them to be more active may be one way.”

The team is looking to enrol 208 women with post natal depression, all of whom have given birth in the last six months and are living in the West Midlands.

The study will last for six months and all will continue with their usual treatment, if they are having any.

Half the participants will be allocated a “Physical Activity Facilitator” (PAF), who will visit them in their home and check-in by telephone and help them to try to be more active.

“The PAF will talk to each woman about what sort of activities she likes, and find out what is available in her local community,” explained Dr Daley.

“Mostly we are trying to encourage pram walking in the local community – something that doesn’t cost anything, but is active and gets women out of the house.”

Women who would like to take part should contact Ruth Blamey on 0121 414 6891 or by email – r.v.blamey@bham.ac.uk.

Tags: Childbirth and Pregnancy | Mental Health | UK News | Women’s Health & Gynaecology

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