Effects of antenatal exercise programme and education on pregnancy induced musculoskeletal symptoms

Abstract

Women experience significant physiological and anatomical adaptations during pregnancy which may in turn induce various musculoskeletal symptoms in pregnancy The purpose of this study was to develop a valid tool to analyze the pregnancy related musculoskeletal discomforts evaluate the effect of structured antenatal exercise programme and education on pregnancy related musculoskeletal discomforts and health related quality of life The Maternal physical discomfort scale item pool was prepared and evaluation of the content and construct validity of the scale was done. In the randomized controlled trial the study group received structured antenatal classes and education in addition to routine antenatal care whereas the control group received routine antenatal care and antenatal exercises The primary outcome measures were PMDS scale SF 36 questionnaire V2 and Six minute walk test The evaluated PMDS questionnaire was reliable and showed construct validity There was a significant difference in the values of low back pain, symphysis pubic pain knee pain pelvic girdle pain and edema at 32 weeks There was a marked reduction of mean score of PMDS in the interventional group at 24 and 32 weeks A significant difference in the PCS and MCS values between the groups at 32 weeks was observed and there was a marked change in the values of 6MWD between the groups at 32 weeks Hence we suggest the comprehensive structured antenatal exercise and education programme in routine antenatal care newline