The results from this study indicated that sows showed small short-term behavioral and physiological benefits from temporary confinement. On the day that sows were released from their crates to their pens, sows were slightly more active (+3.8%), indicative of more exploration of the pen, 2/ rolled more frequently (+6.9%) due to the increase of available space but without affecting piglet performance and 3/ had lower salivary IgA concentrations (- 47% %) indicative of lower stress than those sows still in their crates. Sow salivary cortisol was never affected. Sows did not show any long-term welfare effects i.e. no more increased exploration or reduced stress on day 25 postpartum.