Effects of Antenatal exercise on childbirth experience

• Author Details:   
• Satya Priya Satyala ^*
• Jogitha Bharathi Chandran
• Latha Balasundaram
• Praharsha Bikumala

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Background: Researchers worldwide are proving that exercise is safe and beneficial in pregnancy. Structured physical activity prepares the body for childbirth and helps reduce interventions.

Materials and Methods: One hundred eight women booked for antenatal care participated in a comparative study involving a ten week program designed by the Physiotherapy Department. Entry was at 24-27 weeks gestation with three physical sessions once in three weeks, interspersed with seven virtual weekly sessions. Minimum three home sessions/week were mandatory. Women fulfilling inclusion criteria were divided into two groups based on acceptance to join. Outcomes studied included mode of birth, requirement of analgesia, need for episiotomy, back/pelvic pain, maternal exertion during labour, preterm births and neonatal outcomes.

Results: 46.3% mothers had spontaneous vaginal births in exercise group vs 24% in control. Elective Caesarean for maternal request was more in control group. Mean weight gain was 9.33kg in study group and 12.51kg in control. Incidence of back pain was 18% in exercise group compared to 72% in controls. 64% in exercise group took epidural analgesia vs 84% in control group. Maternal exertion perceived in labour was comparatively less in exercise group. Episiotomy rates in spontaneous births in exercise group was 8% vs 30.77% in controls.

Conclusion: Women practicing regular antenatal exercises had significantly lower rates of maternal request Caesarean Sections, comparable newborn weight, lower weight gain and perception of back pain/discomfort, less maternal exhaustion during labour and reduced need for episiotomy. Pregnant women should be active and follow a supervised exercise program.

Keywords: Exercise, Pregnancy, Childbirth, Interventions.