Prenatal gymnastics and psychological support benefit pregnant women

Abstract

Background/Aim: The management of pregnant women is a significant public health concern. This study aims to demonstrate the benefits of prenatal gymnastics and psychological support on pain, walking, anxiety, and self-esteem during pregnancy. Methods: A quasi-experimental study was conducted over eight months, from September 2020 to April 2021, with 38 pregnant women participating. They underwent 16 sessions of prenatal gymnastics and psychological support once a week, lasting 45 min at low to moderate intensity. Pain, six-minute walk, anxiety, and self-esteem were measured using the visual analog scale (VAS), the six-minute walk test, the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HAD Scale), and the Rosenberg scale, respectively. The parametric Student's t-test and chi-square were used to compare quantitative and qualitative variables before and after the program, with P<0.05 considered statistically significant. Results: The study found that the distance traveled (377.45 m vs. 393 m; P=0.001) and VO2max (15.1 ml/kg/m2 vs. 18.5 ml/kg/m2; P=0.001) increased at the end of the program. However, pain (6 vs. 1.16; P=0.001) and walking speed (2.2 m/s vs. 1.9 m/s; P=0.001) decreased. The program also improved self-esteem (low: 55.3% before vs. 0% after; P=0.001, medium: 44.7% before vs. 13.2% after; P=0.001, strong: 0% before vs. 86.8% after; P=0.001) and anxiety (Uncertain anxiety: 31.6% before vs. 97.4% after; P=0.001, Questionable anxiety: 50% before vs. 2.6% after, Certain anxiety: 18.4% before vs. 0% after; P=0.001). Conclusion: Regular prenatal gymnastics and psychological support positively affect oxygen consumption, pain, anxiety, and self-esteem among pregnant women. This program should be provided continuously to minimize pregnancy-related complications.