Three Factors Improve Maternal Health Outcomes Post Delivery, Study Reveals
By Adebowale Bello. B.Tech Microbiology, Freelance Health Writer. Medically reviewed by: the DlHA Team
Close up shot of a smiling African mother holding her baby. Image credit: Freepik
Childbirth changes a woman’s life in more ways than one. The first year after giving birth is often filled with joy, exhaustion and a long list of physical and emotional adjustments.
For many new African mothers, this period can be especially demanding due to cultural expectations and societal pressure to "bounce back" quickly, limited access to post-natal healthcare services and information resources.
Luckily, a study is shining light on the importance of three simple, yet powerful factors or behaviours that have been found to be very vital for improved maternal health outcomes in the postnatal period. These are: physical activity, sleep and reduction of sedentary (sitting) time.
A panel of Canadian researchers, clinicians and public health experts recently reviewed dozens of high-quality local and global studies and randomised controlled trials (RCTs) involving thousands of women postpartum.
While the study's aim was to create evidence-based recommendations that could guide women, families and healthcare providers in making better decisions for maternal health after childbirth, the goal, was to develop a comprehensive guideline to support better health outcomes for new mothers through the first year after childbirth. The guideline focused on three key factors or behaviours: physical activity, sleep and sedentary behaviour.
The results of the study were telling and relevant to women everywhere, including in Africa.
What the Study Found
The study found that new mothers benefit greatly from engaging in regular physical activity. It specifically recommends moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) and pelvic floor muscle training (PFMT). These activities support both physical and mental recovery during the first year after childbirth.
MVPA includes exercises that increase heart rate and breathing. This can be as simple as brisk walking, cycling, dancing or doing home-based aerobics. These forms of movement not only help improve sleep and reduce feelings of depression but also assist with weight control and energy levels.
Pelvic floor muscle training, commonly referred to as Kegels, was found to significantly reduce urinary incontinence or unintentional passage of urine, a common but often unspoken issue among new mothers. These exercises help strengthen the muscles that support the bladder, womb and bowel, and can be done easily at home.
In addition to physical activity, the study also highlighted the impact of insufficient sleep, especially among new mothers.
More than half of the women in the study reported poor sleep quality, which is closely linked to depression and fatigue. However, some sleep interventions, such as improving sleep hygiene, creating a cool dark room and reducing screen time before bed, were found to improve mental health outcomes.
Sedentary behaviour like sitting or lying down for long periods (outside of sleep) was associated with worse pelvic floor support, low back pain and weight retention, while reduction of sitting time and breaking it up with light movement should be encouraged.
The study called for more research on how less sedentary behaviour impact maternal health outcomes in the postpartum period.
For many African mothers, access to social programmes for maternity support services or postnatal fitness programmes may be limited, but this study makes one thing clear: postnatal recovery doesn't need to be expensive or complicated.
Movements can be simple: walking with your baby, dancing to music at home or taking light strolls around the compound. These count as moderate activity and are effective for your recovery. Even standing up more frequently while doing chores or stretching regularly during the day can help reduce sedentary time.
Pelvic floor exercises don’t need any equipment and can be done quietly while sitting or lying down. Health workers and midwives can teach simple techniques during postnatal visits.
Sleep matters just as much. In African homes, new mothers are often expected to resume household duties quickly but it’s important for families to understand that rest is not laziness and that sleep is essential for healing. Community and partner support such as taking turns with childcare, helping with chores or simply allowing a mum to nap can make a big difference.
Also, new mothers should not feel pressured to return to their pre-pregnancy weight or shape immediately. The study encourages a gradual, individualised return to movement, based on personal comfort, delivery method and medical history. Whether the birth was vaginal or through caesarean section, light activities like walking are safe once approved by a health professional.
The new guideline developed from the study shows that simple steps like moving more, sleeping better and sitting less can significantly improve maternal health, both mentally and physically in the postpartum period. It’s not about perfection but progress. Even small improvements in these areas can lead to big gains in quality of life.
The study also calls for more research, especially in populations such as in Africa, to understand how culture, environment and healthcare access influence postpartum recovery. It recommends long-term tracking and surveillance to monitor how new mothers engage in physical activity, sleep and rest throughout the year after childbirth.
The postpartum period is not just a recovery phase, rather it’s a foundation for lifelong health. For African mothers, embracing movement, prioritising rest and reducing sedentary time are practical, science-backed ways to improve well-being after childbirth.
If you're a new mother, take things one day at a time. Move when you can, rest when you need to and ask for help when it's available. If you're a partner, family member or friend, support the mothers in your life by creating space for them to heal, physically, mentally and emotionally.
It’s time to make postpartum care a shared responsibility and a public health priority because when mothers thrive, families do too.
Source: Davenport MH, Ruchat S, Jaramillo Garcia A, et al. 2025 Canadian guideline for physical activity, sedentary behaviour and sleep throughout the first year postpartum. British Journal of Sports Medicine 2025;59:515-526. Available from here
Related:
Health Effects of Exercise in African Females
Need To Sleep Better? Study Suggests You Try These Exercises
Published: July 26, 2025
© 2025. Datelinehealth Africa Inc. All rights reserved.
Permission is given to copy, use and share content for non-commercial purposes without alteration or modification and subject to source attribution.
DATELINEHEALTH AFRICA INC., is a digital publisher for informational and educational purposes and does not offer personal medical care and advice. If you have a medical problem needing routine or emergency attention, call your doctor or local emergency services immediately, or visit the nearest emergency room or the nearest hospital. You should consult your professional healthcare provider before starting any nutrition, diet, exercise, fitness, medical or wellness program mentioned or referenced in the DatelinehealthAfrica website. Click here for more disclaimer notice.
