By now, we all must be aware of how a mother's body changes during and even after pregnancy. What comes next is a challenging phase, called postpartum. However, it is not just the mothers, but dads too go through postpartum depression. As per the UT Southwestern Medical Center, 1 in 10 dads struggle with postpartum depression (PPD) and anxiety. According to a 2019 study published in Innovations in Clinical Neuroscience, a peer reviewed journal providing evidence-based information, titled Postpartum Depression in Men by Jonathan R Scarff defines postpartum depression as an episode of major depressive disorder occurring soon after the birth of a child. While it is frequently reported in mothers, but can also occur in father. However, there is no established criteria for this in men, although it could present over the course of a year, with symptoms of irritability restrict emotions, and depression.

Why Do Dads Experience PPD?

Fathers can also experience postpartum depression (PPD) due to various factors, including a history of depression, relationship conflicts, financial stress, and maternal depression. Sleep deprivation and disrupted circadian rhythms, known to affect maternal mental health, may also contribute to PPD in men. Additionally, hormonal changes during and after pregnancy play a role. Studies suggest that lower testosterone levels in new fathers reduce aggression and enhance responsiveness to a baby’s cries, while increased estrogen levels promote more engaged parenting. However, these hormonal shifts can also increase vulnerability to depression. Low testosterone is directly linked to depressive symptoms, and imbalances in estrogen, prolactin, vasopressin, and cortisol may hinder father-infant bonding, further exacerbating PPD symptoms.

In fact the study also goes on to note that fathers can experience prenatal depression like mothers too. While it depends on the kind of environment they are in, here are some of the common reasons why dads feel this way:

Hormonal Changes: As per a 2014 study published in the American Journal of Human Biology, titled Prenatal hormones in first-time expectant parents: Longitudinal changes and within-couple correlations, showed that fathers experience hormonal changes during and after their partner's pregnancy. The main reason is the decline in testosterone.

Feeling Disconnected: While dads also want to be part of the newborn experience, the baby usually spends most of the time with the mother. It may make them feel like they are on the "outside".

Other reasons include the pressure that a father feels. Parenting is not easy, it adds on to financial pressure, and this thought could also lead to depression. Especially, if depression runs in father's family, he is more likely to feel depressed with these changes around him. Most new parents underestimate the role lack of sleep plays in their lives. Staying up all night trying to get your baby to eat or sleep can leave you feeling sleep deprived, which could be one of the reasons why the father too may feel tired and depressed.

What Can Be Done?

The American Academy of Pediatrics recommended that postpartum depression screenings not be solely the responsibility of obstetrician, and it must be done by pediatricians too to incorporate maternal health. However, fathers too should go for such screenings. In fact, in 2020, an editorial in the Journal of the American Academy of Pediatrics called on pediatricians to assess the mental health of all new parents regardless of gender.

The ray of hope here is that more and more people are talking about it and are able to recognize the depression dads also go through. The change is not just for moms, but also for dads, thus it is important that they also are taken care of.

While long periods of sitting have become normal in today's workplace culture, their effects may go beyond back pain and weight gain.

According to health experts, prolonged sitting may also be quietly affecting reproductive and hormonal health in both men and women.

Previously, sedentary habits were only associated with non-communicable diseases such as obesity, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease, but doctors are now observing a growing connection between inactivity and reproductive dysfunction.

A recent study led by researchers from Fudan University showed that extended daily sitting time is linked to a heightened risk of infertility in women of reproductive age.

Studies also suggest men with high daily sedentary time (over 6–8 hours) may experience higher testicular temperatures and decreased blood flow to the pelvic region.

In addition, desk jobs raise the risk of obesity and insulin resistance, two conditions that are intimately linked to issues connected to reproduction.

How Sedentary Habits Impact Reproductive Health

Dr. Lepakshi Dasari, Consultant Gynaecologist & Laparoscopic Surgeon, Yashoda Hospitals, Hyderabad, told HealthandMe that sitting for extended periods of time can lower blood flow, impede metabolism, cause weight gain, and upset hormonal balance.

“Women may experience irregular periods, increasing PCOS symptoms, issues with ovulation, and decreased reproductive potential as a result. Long-term inactivity has been associated with worse reproductive function, lower sperm quality, and worse metabolic health in men,” she added.

Also read: PCOS Is Now PMOS: What The Name Change Means For Millions Of Women

Reproductive hormones in both males and females can be further disrupted by long-term stress, insufficient sleep, and inactivity.

“Although sitting by itself does not immediately cause infertility, a prolonged sedentary lifestyle can eventually lead to circumstances that are detrimental to reproductive health,” Dr. Lepakshi said.

“Looking at it from a gynecology standpoint, sitting for long hours is one of the things researchers nowadays associate with hormone imbalance, even besides the problem of weight gain.

Infertility: A Global Burden

As per the World Health Organization, about one in six people (17.5 per cent of adults) worldwide experience infertility, marking a significant health challenge.

Between 1990 and 2021, infertility prevalence increased annually by 0.49 per cent for men and 0.68 per cent for women, driven by delayed parenthood, environmental toxins, and lifestyle factors.

By 2050, over 75 per cent of countries may face population declines due to these trends.

Read More: World Thalassemia Day 2026: Why Screening Before Marriage Or Pregnancy Is Important

Dr Tripti Dadhich, Additional Director - Obstetrics and Gynecology, CK Birla Hospitals, Jaipur, explained that when an individual is inactive, the chances of experiencing insulin resistance increase, leading to irregular menstrual cycles and fertility issues.

“If the body is less active, not only is the blood flow to the pelvis less efficient, but this can lead to discomfort and irregularities in menstrual cycles over a period of time. The majority of women are not aware that long sitting hours combined with poor sleeping and stress can cause hormonal imbalance,” she told HealthandMe.

How To Improve Reproductive Health?

Experts shared that simple routines can have a big impact on reproductive and hormonal health, including:

• Walking or standing every hour
• Exercising frequently
• Maintaining a healthy weight
• Drinking plenty of water
• Managing stress
• Maintaining a proper sleep cycle.

Motherhood is often described as joyful, fulfilling, and transformative, but for many women, it is also a quietly exhausting experience. While sleepless nights and endless responsibilities are expected parts of pregnancy and parenting, constant fatigue should not always be dismissed as “normal.” One of the most overlooked causes is iron deficiency anemia.

Why Iron Matters

Iron is essential for producing hemoglobin, the component of blood that carries oxygen throughout the body. During pregnancy, a woman’s iron requirements increase significantly because she is supporting both her own growing blood volume and the baby’s development. After childbirth, blood loss during delivery, breastfeeding demands, poor nutrition, and inadequate recovery can further deplete iron stores.

The result? Persistent tiredness, weakness, dizziness, headaches, breathlessness, poor concentration, hair fall, and even mood changes. Many mothers continue to function despite these symptoms, assuming that exhaustion is simply part of motherhood. Unfortunately, untreated anemia can affect not only a woman’s health and immunity, but also her emotional well-being, recovery after delivery, and ability to care for her child.

Anemia Common Among Indian Women

In India, iron deficiency anemia remains extremely common among women of reproductive age. Vegetarian diets low in iron absorption, irregular meals, heavy menstrual bleeding before pregnancy, closely spaced pregnancies, and lack of routine screening all contribute to the problem.

The good news is that anemia is both preventable and treatable. Regular antenatal check-ups, timely blood tests, iron-rich foods such as green leafy vegetables, legumes, jaggery, dates, nuts, lean meats, and iron supplementation when advised can make a significant difference. Vitamin C-rich foods also help improve iron absorption.

While we celebrate Mother’s Day, the strength and resilience of mothers, we must also encourage them to prioritize their own health. Fatigue should not be worn as a badge of honor. Sometimes, the body is simply asking for help, and listening to it is one of the most important acts of self-care a mother can offer herself and her family.

Many women notice that even months after delivery, their stomach continues to protrude despite weight loss efforts, exercise, or dieting. Often dismissed as normal postpartum body changes or “stubborn belly fat,” this condition may actually be Diastasis Recti, a separation of the abdominal muscles commonly seen during and after pregnancy.

What Exactly Is Diastasis Recti?

During pregnancy, the growing uterus stretches the abdominal muscles and connective tissues to make space for the baby. In some women, the two large abdominal muscles separate more than normal, creating a visible gap in the midline of the abdomen. This condition is known as Diastasis Recti.

While it is common after childbirth, it often goes undiagnosed because many women are unaware that persistent abdominal bulging may not simply be weight gain.

Symptoms Women Commonly Ignore

The condition can cause more than cosmetic concerns. Women may experience lower back pain, poor posture, abdominal weakness, pelvic floor issues, bloating, constipation, or difficulty lifting objects. Some also notice a “doming” or bulge in the centre of the abdomen while sitting up or exercising. The risk may be higher in women with multiple pregnancies, twin pregnancies, excessive abdominal strain, or inadequate postnatal recovery.

Why Can Incorrect Exercise Make It Worse?

Many women immediately begin intense abdominal workouts or crunches after delivery to “reduce tummy fat.” However, certain exercises performed incorrectly can worsen the muscle separation and increase strain on the abdominal wall. This is why proper postnatal rehabilitation becomes important. Strengthening the deep core muscles gradually and safely under professional guidance can help improve recovery.

Early Recognition Matters

Diastasis Recti is treatable in many cases with physiotherapy, guided exercises, posture correction, and core rehabilitation. In severe cases, surgical intervention may sometimes be considered.

Most importantly, women should understand that persistent postpartum abdominal changes are not always due to laziness, poor fitness, or inability to lose weight. Sometimes, the body is recovering from a real physical condition that requires attention, patience, and proper care.