@2024 Afarand., IRAN

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ISSN: 2251-8215    Sarem Journal of Reproductive Medicine 2019;3(3):93-98

Background
The experience of labor pain is a complicated, individual, and multiple responses to the sensory stimulation produced during birth.
Previous Studies
... [1-6]. Several studies have examined the different levels of physical activity and its effects on pregnancy outcomes [4-7]. Many pregnant women tend to start or continue exercising during pregnancy, however some consequences, such as preterm childbirth or weight loss during pregnancy are possible [9]. The results of studies on the effects of exercise during pregnancy are varied. In some studies, the increased risk of preterm childbirth was seen in women who had stopped exercising [8]. ... [9-12]. Studies have shown that Hatha Yoga, one hour per week for 10 weeks reduces lumbar pelvic pain during pregnancy [13]. Yoga has also been shown to similarly reduce pregnancy pain three times a week for 30 min over 12 to 14 weeks [14]. Pain relief during and after labor has always been considered by experts. Sedatives and anesthetics have many physiological and psychological effects on the patient. In addition, those who are not allowed to used are restricted. On the other hand, these drugs rapidly cross the placenta and cause respiratory depression in the infant. … [15-20].
Aim(s)
The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of yoga training after 14 weeks on labor pain and pregnancy outcomes in primiparous women.
Research type
This study was a clinical trial.
Research society, place and time
In this clinical trial, 80 primiparous pregnant women aged 25-35 years old referred to the Sarem Hospital in Tehran, in 2017, were selected.
Sampling method and number
According to the Morgan table and using purposive sampling method, 80 pregnant women referred to the Sarem hospital with inclusion criteria, including being candidate for natural childbirth, primiparous mother, no acute or chronic disorder, no history of acute and chronic pain, such as appendicitis, migraine and history of allergy and also singleton pregnancy were selected. Subjects were randomly divided into the experimental (n = 40) and control (n = 40) groups.
Used devices&materials
The experimental group began yoga exercises from the 14th week of pregnancy. The control group did their normal life activities and did not participate in any exercise activities. At the first session, the weight and height of all pregnant women in both groups were measured using the same scales. Afterwards, the mothers' weight and their uterine length were measured twice in two groups and the neonates were weighed immediately after birth using digital scales. Pain was measured using a standard visual analogue scale (VAS) in of 4-6, 6-8, and 8-10 cm dilation. In total, the dilatation was measured three times in both groups, as well as the baby's postnatal heart rate was recorded by a pacemaker (Polar-Iran). Yoga exercises were performed according to the Jai Shari et al. protocol [21], including exercises, such as primary relaxation and breathing techniques, asana while lying on back, deep relaxation with guided visualization, Pranayama and meditation using mental imagery and light music. One-way ANOVA, Tukey post hoc test and independent T-test were used for inferential analysis of data. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS 23 software.
Findings by Text
There was no significant difference between the individual characteristics of mothers in the control and experimental groups and the two groups were homogeneous (Table 1). Yoga training had a significant effect on labor pain intensity in primiparous women (p <0.001, F = 38.57). There was no significant difference between VAS I of the control group-VAS II of the experimental group, VAS II of the control group-VAS II of the experimental group and VAS III of the control group-VAS III of the experimental group (p> 0.05), but there was a significant difference between the other phases (p <0.001; Table 2). In addition, yoga training had a significant effect on Apgar score in the first to fifth minutes of labor in primiparous women (p <0.001, F = 10.64). There was no significant difference between the first neonatal Apgar score in the control group-the first neonatal Apgar score in the experimental group and the second neonatal Apgar score in the control group- the second neonatal Apgar score in the experimental group (p> 0.05), however there was a significant difference between the other stages (p <0.001; Table 2). Finally, yoga training had a significant effect on the birth weight of primiparous women and the mean neonatal weight in the experimental group was higher than the control group (p <0.001, t = 5.123, Table 2).
Main comparison to the similar studies
Some recent studies have shown that exercise reduces the severity of labor pain in women. This result is consistent with the findings of Mahmoudi et al. [22]. … [23-29]. The results of the present study also showed that yoga exercises had a significant effect on the birth weight of primiparous women. This result is consistent with the findings of some studies [30] and is not consistent with some other studies [31]. Considering the growth pattern of the fetus which is occurred mostly in the last trimester of pregnancy as well as regarding the effect of exercise on uterine and placental blood flow, exercise affected nutrition and fetal growth. Neonatal weight in both groups was within normal range. It should be noted that the yoga practice during pregnancy can be one of the factors affecting the birth weight of the child and is the cause of the difference in the present study. As Bell et al. reported that the offspring of mothers who exercised five to seven days a week were less weighted at birth than the untrained group. However, the offspring of mothers who exercised three to four days a week were more weighted than the control group [32]. … [33].
Suggestions
According to the few relevant studies, confirmation of the relationship between exercise activity and pregnancy outcomes needs further, more in-depth and detailed studies.
Limitations

Conclusions
Yoga training reduces the severity of labor pain in primiparous women and has beneficial effects for pregnant women and their infants.
Acknowledgments
We are grateful to all pregnant women who participated in this study and assisted the researchers.
Conflict of interest
None declared.
Ethical Permissions
The present study was approved by the Ethics Committee of the Institute of Sport Sciences (Approved code: IR.SSSRI.REC.1396.137).
Funding Sources
None declared.

TABLES and CHARTS

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