A Danish study shows that women who have children are less active and less physically fit than nulliparous women.
Written on 05/07/2024
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Are you a young mother who spends her time chasing her children and therefore thinks you are active? Then this study will infuriate you. According to researchers at the University of Aarhus in Denmark, childless women are healthier than mothers, thanks to more physical activity.
The study, carried out on more than 27,000 people aged 16 to 40, was published in the journal Public Health. She sought to compare the physical and sporting activity of women who are mothers and women without children. The study is based on the recommendations of the World Health Organization: 150 minutes of moderate-intensity physical activity per week and 75 minutes of vigorous intensity.
63% of mothers do not exercise enough
If we know the benefits of physical activity, the study shows the reality of the lives of women – mothers or not. In detail, 51% of nulliparous women – that is to say who have never had a child – do less physical activity than what is recommended.
And this number rises to more than 63% among women who are mothers. This means that the latter have a 24% risk of not exercising enough compared to nulliparous women. Especially since mothers favor light physical activities, such as walking and cycling.
Also read: Age, weight, postpartum: survey on the health of French mothers
Re-educate your perineum before playing sports
“These results call for future research to develop new strategies to promote physical activity among mothers”, note the authors. But then, how to do regular physical activity? Start by treating your perineum with good rehabilitation!
Indeed, pregnancy and childbirth put strain on the muscles of the perineum. They can then relax and, in some cases, ultimately lead to the descent of certain organs such as the uterus, bladder or rectum, which is called prolapse. Perineal rehabilitation sessions are therefore essential. They also help prevent urinary leakage which can occur during exercise when the perineum has lost tone.
Perineal rehabilitation sessions are 100% covered by Social Security. On average, 10 sessions are prescribed by the doctor. The rehabilitation phase consists of working the muscles of the perineum with a physiotherapist to regain its tone.
The Health Mag – France 5
