A review of public health guidelines for postpartum physical activity and sedentary behavior from around the world

Background : The period following pregnancy is a critical time window when future habits with respect to physical activity (PA) and sedentary behavior (SB) are established; therefore, it warrants guidance. The purpose of this scoping review was to summarize public health -oriented country -specific postpartum PA and SB guidelines worldwide. Methods : To identify guidelines published since 2010, we performed a (a) systematic search of 4 databases (CINAHL, Global Health, PubMed, and SPORTDiscus), (b) structured repeatable web -based search separately for 194 countries, and (c) separate web -based search. Only the most recent guideline was included for each country. Results : We identified 22 countries with public health -oriented postpartum guidelines for PA and 11 countries with SB guidelines. The continents with guidelines included Europe ( n = 12), Asia ( n = 5), Oceania ( n = 2), Africa ( n = 1), North America ( n = 1), and South America ( n = 1). The most common benefits recorded for PA included weight control/management ( n = 10), reducing the risk of postpartum depression or depressive symptoms ( n = 9), and improving mood/well-being ( n = 8). Postpartum guidelines specified exercises to engage in, including pelvic floor exercises ( n = 17); muscle strengthening, weight training, or resistance exercises ( n = 13); aerobics/general aerobic activity ( n = 13); walking ( n = 11); cycling ( n = 9); and swimming ( n = 9). Eleven guidelines remarked on the interaction between PA and breastfeeding; several guidelines stated that PA did not impact breast milk quantity ( n = 7), breast milk quality ( n = 6), or infant growth ( n = 3). For SB, suggestions included limiting long-term sitting and interrupting sitting with PA. Conclusion : Country -specific postpartum guidelines for PA and SB can help promote healthy behaviors using a culturally appropriate context while providing specific guidance to public health practitioners.