Exercise and pregnancy: duration of labor stages and Perinea tear rates

Abstract

Labor is painful, and the onset of it is full of fair for most pregnant women. In addition, women frequently suffer perinea trauma while giving birth. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of exercise on duration of labor and perinea tear rates among pregnant women. 174 women singleton gestation were selected by using a continued method, and assigned in training or a control group. They elected to follow either a light intensity exercise program throughout pregnancy until delivery. Training included 3times/week, 30–45min. Pregnancy outcomes include of duration of labor and perinea tear were recorded for two groups. Episiotomy rates, overall spontaneous tears and intact perineum rates were similar in the study and control groups (PV=0/19). The rates of intact perineum were significantly higher in the trained group (36.8% vs. 23.8%) and women in the training group had slightly lower rates of second-degree tears (40.2% vs. 53.6%), although, both of these outcomes did not reach statistical significance. There was meaningful difference between the trained and control group in duration of the first stage of labor, but it was not meaningful in duration of the second stage. The training showed neither a protective nor a detrimental significant effect on the occurrence of perinea trauma. However, exercise training during pregnancy is with a shorter labor which creates a good feeling in women.