Physical activity during pregnancy is associated with a lower number of perineal tears

Abstract

Complex processes such as pregnancy and childbirth can be decisive for the health and well-being of both the mother and newborn, both during the process and in their life thereafter. 1,2 During 9 months, almost the entire body of a pregnant woman must change to create an environment adequate for fetal growth and development. It cannot be guaranteed that these changes will occur successfully because there are many alterations and pathologies related to the nature of pregnancy that can develop. Accordingly, the risk of complications with pregnancy is high, but there are several factors in a woman's environment that can increase or decrease this risk. 3 According to numerous scientific studies, modern lifestyles have negative effects on pregnancy, which affect the health of the mother, newborn and infant, and in some cases, all aspects of the human being. 4,5 Thus, the gestational period is a very risky period in a woman's life.

Influence of a Virtual Exercise Program throughout Pregnancy during the COVID-19 Pandemic on Perineal Tears and Episiotomy Rates: A Randomized Clinical Trial

“…This makes sense because surgical incisions may be performed to limit the most serious injuries as has been previously evidenced in the scientific literature [36]. Specific exercise and maintenance of adequate levels of physical activity throughout pregnancy may perhaps protect the perineal area [3].…”

“…International rates of 85% have been reported for perineal injuries [2], produced either spontaneously, such as tears, or deliberately because of an episiotomy. Recently, the frequency of the appearance of these lesions have been high in Spain, with a prevalence of 59% for tears [3] and between 19% and 50% for episiotomies [4]. The basic function of the episiotomy is to prevent perineal tears due to the tension caused by the mechanisms of labor, especially in primiparous pregnant individuals with instrumental delivery.…”

“…The relationship between exercise during pregnancy and better delivery results has been previously evidenced, and international guidelines for exercise during pregnancy recommend physical activity for pregnant individuals without obstetric complications [26][27][28]. In fact, previous observational research has shown that maintaining an active lifestyle during pregnancy is associated with a lower incidence of tears during childbirth [3]. Thus, among the mitigating factors of perineal injury, it has been shown that physical activity [7] and physical exercise [29,30] can be used as a preventive agent.…”

Running During Pregnancy and Postpartum, Part A: Why Do Women Stop Running During Pregnancy and Not Return to Running in the Postpartum Period?

“…Such benefits include improved cardiovascular fitness, maintaining body mass, and maternal psychosocial well-being, [1][2][3][4] as well as a decreased risk of preeclampsia, gestational hypertension, and gestational diabetes. 5 Exercise engagement during pregnancy has also been associated with fewer newborn complications, 5 a reduced risk of cesarean delivery, instrumental delivery, and perineal tears, 5,6 as well as increased pelvic floor muscle strength, 7 which has been linked with decreased urinary incontinence. 8 Exercise in the postpartum period appears to reduce a woman's recovery time 9,10 and increases the likelihood of active offspring, setting up long-term positive health behaviours.…”

Exercise During Pregnancy: Knowledge and Beliefs Among Females in Saudi Arabia

“…In the past, pregnant women were advised against physical exercise since it was believed to be harmful to their health and may result in miscarriage, low birth weight, or early delivery. However, recent research has found that regular physical activity during pregnancy has several benefits for both the mother and the fetus [7][8][9][10]. Many recommendations encourage frequent, moderateintensity exercise as an integral part of maternal preventive care [11][12][13][14].…”