The effect of exercise on childbirth in primiparous women: A clinical trial study

Background & Aim: The process of delivery, from physiologic point of view, is similar to long exercises and decrease in physical activities is so common during pregnancy which could cause disruptions in the process of delivery. This study aimed to determine the effects of exercise on childbirth process among primigravid women. Methods & Materials: This single-blind randomized clinical trial recruited 80 primigravid women in Damghan, 2013-2014. Simple random sampling method was used to select the participants, who were then divided into two equal groups of intervention and control. The intervention group received an 8- week regular walking program and the control group was only followed up. The childbirth process controls and administrative processes were similar for both groups. The data were collected after childbirth and analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics (independent t-test, chi-square, and Mann–Whitney) in SPSS Version 22. Results: Both groups were matched for demographic indicators. The results showed significant differences in active and latent-phase hospitalization (P < 0.0010, χ 2 = 14.05), duration of the active phase (P = 0.0020), and the time interval between admission to initiation of the active phase (P = 0.0020). The time interval between the admission and the childbirth (P < 0.0010), and duration of hospitalization (P < 0.0010) between two groups. The natural childbirth rate was more in the intervention group (P < 0.0010, χ 2 = 21.33). Conclusion: Regular walking with appropriate intensity and duration during pregnancy was correlated with reducing the length of childbirth stages and natural childbirth. This safe method is recommended in healthy pregnancies.