Postpartum Physical Activity: Recommendations and Impact on Maternal Health

The postpartum period begins immediately after childbirth, although there is no universal consensus on when it ends. It is estimated that 10–15% of women experience postpartum depression, which can directly affect infant care, maternal health, and overall quality of life.

The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends that women without medical contraindications engage in regular physical activity during the postpartum period, totaling at least 150 minutes per week. This should include aerobic exercise, muscle-strengthening activities, and stretching.

Women who receive exercise guidance in the early postpartum period report greater physical, mental, and social well-being. Most clinical guidelines recommend a gradual return to physical activity between 4 and 8 weeks postpartum, provided there are no medical contraindications.

Evidence supports the practice of moderate-intensity physical activity during the postpartum period to reduce depressive symptoms, lower cardiovascular disease risk factors, improve sleep quality and duration, decrease the incidence of stress urinary incontinence, and enhance overall physical and psychosocial well-being.

It is important to emphasize that physical activity does not negatively affect breast milk volume or production, milk composition or quality, nor infant growth. The benefits of breastfeeding are well established, and reassuring postpartum women that they can safely continue breastfeeding while engaging in physical activity is a key component of public health guidance.

Scientific References

Evenson, K. R., Brown, W. J., Brinson, A. K., Budzynski-Seymour, E., & Hayman, M. (2024). A review of public health guidelines for postpartum physical activity and sedentary behavior from around the world. Journal of Sport and Health Science.

Anggraeni, N. P. D. A., Herawati, L., Widyawati, M. N., & Arizona, I. K. L. T. (2020). The effect of exercise on postpartum women’s quality of life: A systematic review.

Written by: Physiotherapist Marilia Monteiro – CREFITO 129693-F