Benefits of a prenatal physical preparation program on the condition of the perineum and Apgar scores at birth: Prenatal physical preparation

François  Njimbu; Iness  Bilo; Andy-Muller  Nzinga; Teddy  Bofosa; Eric  Kam; Anselme Paka; Augustin   Buhendwa; Vicky  Lokomba; Roger  Mbungu; Betty  Miangindula

doi:10.28982/josam.7677

Authors

François Njimbu Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Faculty of Medicine, University of Kinshasa, University Clinics of Kinshasa, Uro-Pelvi-Perineal Rehabilitation Unit, Democratic Republic of Congo https://orcid.org/0000-0003-3085-5117
Iness Bilo Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Faculty of Medicine, University of Kinshasa, University Clinics of Kinshasa, Uro-Pelvi-Perineal Rehabilitation Unit, Democratic Republic of Congo https://orcid.org/0000-0002-1955-1713
Andy-Muller Nzinga Kinshasa university, Medicine Faculty, Physical medicine and rehabilitation https://orcid.org/0000-0003-0608-9424
Teddy Bofosa Kinshasa university, Medicine Faculty, Physical medicine and rehabilitation https://orcid.org/0000-0002-9878-4995
Eric Kam Kinshasa university, Medicine Faculty, Physical medicine and rehabilitation https://orcid.org/0000-0002-8408-7160
Anselme Paka Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Mont Amba Hospital Center, Lemba-Kinshasa, Democratic https://orcid.org/0000-0001-6617-8408
Augustin Buhendwa Kinshasa university, Medicine Faculty, Physical medicine and rehabilitation https://orcid.org/0000-0001-8666-9730
Vicky Lokomba Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Faculty of Medicine, University of Kinshasa, University Clinics of Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo https://orcid.org/0000-0002-8666-8241
Roger Mbungu Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Faculty of Medicine, University of Kinshasa, University Clinics of Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo https://orcid.org/0000-0002-9754-0606
Betty Miangindula Kinshasa university, Medicine Faculty, Physical medicine and rehabilitation https://orcid.org/0000-0003-3923-8799

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.28982/josam.7677

Keywords:

childbirth, physical preparation, pregnant women

Abstract

Background/Aim: The practice of physical activities among pregnant women remains a significant health challenge in the Democratic Republic of Congo. The aim of this study was to examine the influence of prenatal physical preparation on the state of the perineum and Apgar scores at birth.

Methods: This experimental study included 89 pregnant women, with 38 of them subjected to an 8-month prenatal physical preparation program that involved weekly sessions of 45 min of low to moderate intensity. The remaining 51 pregnant women did not participate in the program and served as a control group. The variables of interest, including episiotomy, perineal tear, intact perineum, and Apgar scores, were measured, and the chi-square statistical test was used to compare the two study groups. P-values <0.05 were considered statistically significant.

Results: The present study reveals that the women in labor in the experimental group (EG) had fewer perineal tears and less episiotomy compared to the control group (CG). Specifically, the incidence of perineal tear was significantly lower in the EG (5.3%) than in the CG (27.5%) with a P-value of 0.001, while the incidence of episiotomy was also significantly lower in the EG (7.9%) than in the CG (25.5%) (P=0.032). Furthermore, a significant number of women in the EG (86.8%) had an intact perineum compared to those in the CG (47%) (P=0.001).

Conclusion: The delivery parameters of pregnant women who followed a prenatal physical preparation program underwent significant changes compared to those who did not participate in the program. These findings suggest that the program should be continued to improve the care of women who have given birth.

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