Effect of Antenatal Exercise Teaching Program on Neonatal Outcomes During Delivery in Erbil, Iraq

Background:Antenatal exercises are safe and beneficial for the fetus, and neonatal health, wellbeing, were positive effect on neonatal outcomes during delivery, such as prevent fetal distress, remained the Apgar score and birth weight in normal range level. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of antenatal exercise classes on the neonatal outcomes during delivery. Methods: prospective -Interventional study was conducted in Maternal – Child Health Department in Najdi Heydari Health Care Center, Maternity and Razgary Teaching Hospitals / Erbil City / Kurdistan region / Iraq. One hundred and twelve healthy pregnant women. One half of the pregnant women were included in the intervention group (n = 56) and the other half in the control group (n= 56). The intervention group was educated about antenatal exercises. While the control group remained on standard maternal health care program (without exercise classes). Neonatal outcomes evaluated from documents of birth registry and mothers interview in the postpartum ward using a special check list prepared for that purposed. Results: In the original data, there was a statistically significant difference between both groups. Regarding the fetal heart rate (P<0.01), Apgar score (P<0.004), neonatal complications (P<0.039), admission neonatal intensive care unit (P<0.003) through the progress of delivery. in other hand, not a statistically significant difference between intervention and control groups concerning neonatal weight. Conclusion: Antenatal exercise is recommended for healthy pregnant women as a safe and effective strategy, enhance the neonatal outcomes during the delivery proceass.