Antenatal Exercises and Pregnancy Outcome at Cairo University Hospital

Moderate exercise on a regular basis during pregnancy is likely to lead to an improved course of pregnancy and easier labor when compared with that of a sedentary lifestyle. So, the aim of this study was to examine the effect of antenatal exercises on maternal and neonatal outcomes. A convenience sample of 100 pregnant mothers was recruited for this study from the out-patient clinic and delivery unit at El-Manial University Hospital. The sample divided into two groups, study group who received routine antenatal care and followed the proposed antenatal exercises protocol and control group who received routine antenatal care. Each group consisted of 50 pregnant mothers. Data of this study collected through four phases: 1) interviewing; 2) assessment; 3) implementation for the study group and 4) nursing evaluation (for maternal & neonatal outcomes). Data collected using variety of tools as interviewing questionnaire sheet; assessment and follow up sheet; observation checklists; maternal and neonatal evaluation sheets (partograph, immediate postpartum assessment sheet, Apgar score & New Ballard score). Results indicated that, frequency and duration of uterine contractions were higher