Efficacy of antenatal exercises on maternal and neonatal outcomes in elderly primigravida

Background and purpose: Elderly primigravida and their offspring have traditionally been considered to be at increased risk of adverse maternal and neonatal outcomes because of associated pregnancy and labor complications. This study was designed to examine the efficacy of antenatal exercises on maternal and neonatal outcomes in elderly primigravida. Participants and methods: Sixty elderly primigravida women (age range: 35-40 years) at 14 weeks gestation were divided randomly into two equal groups (A and B). Group A performed antenatal exercises for 6 months, whereas group B continued their lifestyle after receiving specific advice for each trimester. The exercise program parameters were based on the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists guidelines for exercise during pregnancy. Assessment of labor pain was performed using the Present Pain Intensity scale. Results: Participants in group A showed a statistically significant difference in the intensity of labor pain when cervical dilatation was between 7 and 8 cm (P = 0.000), duration of first stage of labor (P = 0.026), and neonates APGAR scores at the first and the fifth minute of life (P = 0.000) compared with participants in group B. There was no statistically significant difference between groups in the intensity of labor pain when cervical dilatation was between 3 and 5 cm (P = 0.775) and mode of delivery (P = 0.630). Conclusion: Antenatal exercises are very effective in decreasing adverse effects and labor complications in elderly primigravida and their neonates.