A Randomised Control Study on the Effect of Antenatal Pelvic Floor Muscle Exercises on Labour and Birth Outcome

Background: Pregnancy is a physiological process that typically requires minimal medical intervention. However, pelvic floor muscle exercises (PFMEs) during pregnancy are believed to enhance muscle flexibility, strength, and coordination, potentially leading to improved labor and birth outcomes. PFMEs have been associated with benefits such as reduced labor duration, lower incidence of instrumental delivery, and decreased risk of postpartum urinary incontinence. This randomized controlled study aimed to assess the effects of antenatal PFMEs between 28 and 36 weeks of gestation on labor and birth outcomes. Methods: The study was conducted in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at A.C.S. Medical College and Hospital. A total of 100 participants were randomly assigned into an intervention group (n=50), receiving standard antenatal care with PFME training, and a control group (n=50), receiving standard antenatal care alone. Participants in the intervention group performed three sets of eight exercises, sustained for 8?10 seconds, daily at home, with weekly follow-up. Data on maternal age, socio-economic status, weight, height, parity, mode of delivery, newborn weight, and neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) admission were collected and analyzed. Results: Antenatal PFMEs significantly improved birth outcomes, with 76% of the intervention group achieving vaginal delivery compared to 56% in the control group (p=0.001). The cesarean section rate was lower in the intervention group (24%) than in the control group (44%). While the mean newborn weight was slightly lower in the intervention group (2.76 ? 0.40 kg vs. 2.84 ? 0.35 kg, p=0.053), NICU admission rates were similar (32% vs. 30%, p=0.803). Conclusion: Antenatal PFMEs were associated with a significantly higher rate of normal vaginal delivery and a lower rate of cesarean section. These findings suggest that PFMEs may be a safe and effective method for improving labor outcomes. Future large-scale randomized controlled trials are needed to further validate these results.