Effects of Aquatic Exercise on Pregnancy and Delivery Outcomes

The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists advocates swimming as one of the best exercises for pregnant women, but few studies have examined health-related outcomes from aquatic exercise during pregnancy. To determine the impact of an aquatic exercise intervention program on pregnancy functionality, physical discomforts during pregnancy and perinatal outcomes. Forty pregnant women at least 19 weeks gestation without medical complications was recruited from a metropolitan area. Sixty percent of the sample was African Amercian non swimmers. The sample 20 subjects self-selected participation into the experimental group (aquatic exercise intervention) and 20 self-selected into the control group (non-exercise). The experimental group participated in a 60-minute, six-week aquatic exercise program three sessions per week.Women who had participated in the aquatic exercise program reported less physical discomfort( p<0.001), improved mobility( p=0.001), and improved body image, p=0.03) as compared to control subjects. A chart review was conducted post intervention. The exercise group had a shorter first stage of labor mean 10.9 hours compared to non-exercise group 14. 9 hours but was found not be statistically significant. There was a significant difference P=.001 for the second stage (pushing phase)of labor.Conclusions: Aquatic exercise during the third trimester of pregnancy is beneficial in enhancing physical functioning, decreasing maternal discomfort, and shortemns the overall length of labor