Women who exercise regularly during and after pregnancy are less likely to suffer from depression than women who don't, according to a study conducted recently at Penn State University.

Danielle Symons Downs, associate professor of kinesiology and obstetrics and gynecology, and her colleagues surveyed 230 Pennsylvania women about their symptoms of depression, exercise habits, and feelings about their appearance. Their findings were published in the August issue of the Annals of Behavioral Medicine.

Earlier research indicated women who exhibit symptoms of depression early in their pregnancies are more likely to suffer postpartum depression.

The Penn State researchers found that women who exercised prior to their pregnancy had greater body satisfaction and exhibited fewer symptoms of depression during pregnancy.

Dr. Katherine Wisner, professor of psychiatry; obstetrics and gynecology and epidemiology at UPMC, said what the Penn State researchers found makes sense to her.

"For mild to moderate depression, good aerobic exercise -- 30 to 45 minutes three times a week -- is as effective as medication or therapy," Dr. Wisner said.