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Wellness intervention with pregnant soldiers
W Lombardi1, S Wilson, P B Peniston
1Department of Nursing, Madigan Army Medical Center, Tacoma, WA 98431, USA.
Military Medicine
|January 29, 1999
Summary
Wellness programs for pregnant soldiers improved pregnancy outcomes, reducing complications and healthcare costs. This intervention positively impacted gestational age, birth weight, and labor duration.
Area of Science:
- Obstetrics and Gynecology
- Military Health
- Public Health
Background:
- Military personnel face unique challenges during pregnancy.
- Wellness interventions may mitigate pregnancy risks in active-duty soldiers.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the impact of a wellness program (exercise and education) on pregnant soldiers.
- To assess effects on delivery methods, pregnancy outcomes, complications, fitness scores, and costs.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of 823 obstetric and newborn records.
- Inclusion of Army Physical Fitness Test records and subjective questionnaires.
- Comparison of groups with and without wellness intervention, including a historical control.
Main Results:
- Wellness intervention correlated with increased gestational age and birth weight.
- Reduced incidence of fetal bradycardia, hyperbilirubinemia, preeclampsia, and premature labor.
- Shortened labor duration, fewer neonatal intensive care unit admissions, and reduced healthcare costs.
Conclusions:
- Wellness programs are beneficial for pregnant soldiers, enhancing maternal and neonatal outcomes.
- Intervention particularly aided high-risk groups, such as African-American female soldiers.
- The program demonstrated a positive impact on clinical outcomes and healthcare economics.