Randomized Clinical Trial of an Aquatic Physical Exercise Program During Pregnancy

Area of Science:

• Obstetrics and Gynecology
• Maternal Health
• Physical Therapy

Background:

• Childbirth often involves perineal trauma, including lacerations and episiotomies.
• The rate of intact perineum can be influenced by various factors, including maternal characteristics and interventions during pregnancy.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the impact of a structured aquatic physical exercise program on the rate of intact perineum following childbirth.
• To determine if the Study of Water Exercise During Pregnancy (SWEP) method influences perineal outcomes.

Main Methods:

• A randomized clinical trial involving 129 pregnant women assigned to a control group or an aquatic exercise group (EG).
• The EG participated in three weekly sessions of the SWEP aquatic exercise program.
• Perineal status (laceration, episiotomy) and potential confounding variables (maternal weight, BMI, parity, anesthesia, birth weight) were assessed.

Main Results:

• Women in the aquatic exercise group demonstrated a significantly higher rate of intact perineum compared to the control group (OR = 13.54).
• After adjusting for birth weight, the intervention's effect on intact perineum remained significant (OR = 8.57).
• Previous childbirth and the administration of anesthesia were also associated with an increased likelihood of an intact perineum.

Conclusions:

• Participation in the SWEP aquatic exercise program during pregnancy is associated with a significantly higher likelihood of achieving an intact perineum post-childbirth.
• The findings suggest that aquatic exercise can be a beneficial intervention for improving perineal outcomes in pregnant women.