Effect of Regular Exercise Assessed by Pedometer on Pregnancy Outcomes and Maternal Mental Health

Serap  Simavlı; Emel Kiyak  Caglayan; Ulas  Deniz; Nermin  Kosus; İkbal  Kaygusuz

doi:10.18502/ijph.v54i10.20140

Serap Simavlı Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Yuzyıl Hospital, İstanbul, Turkey
Emel Kiyak Caglayan Tekirdag Namık Kemal University, Facuty of Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Tekirdağ, Turkey
Ulas Deniz Obstetrics and Gynecology, Private Practise, Ankara, Turkey
Nermin Kosus Obstetrics and Gynecology, Private Practise, Ankara, Turkey
İkbal Kaygusuz Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Medikal Park Hospital, Ankara, Turkey

DOI: https://doi.org/10.18502/ijph.v54i10.20140

Keywords: Exercise; Pregnancy; Neonatal; Depression; Maternal health

Abstract

Background: We sought to analyze the impact of physical activity and exercise ability, measured with a pedometer, on obstetric and neonatal outcomes.

Methods: Women who engaged, Türkiye in exercise for 30 minutes or longer during pregnancy were classified as the exercise group, whereas those who did not exercise were classified as the control group. The exercise capacity of women was evaluated by a 6-minute walking test utilizing a step counter, and its correlation with pregnancy outcomes was established. Postpartum anxiety levels and satisfaction were evaluated on the first and eighth days postpartum.

Results: The exercise group exhibited a significantly increased step count and length, alongside a reduced incidence of pregnancy problems (P < .05). The duration of labor, initial breastfeeding time, and neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) requirements were significantly reduced in the exercise group (P < .05). A notable disparity was detected between the two groups for anxiety levels and satisfaction and postpartum depression (P < .05).

Conclusion: Regular physical activity throughout gestation positively influences pregnancy outcomes and maternal well-being, without inducing difficulties for either the mother or the infant.