By Alexandra Thompson Senior Health Reporter For Mailonline
Published: 16:33 BST, 16 April 2019 | Updated: 16:34 BST, 16 April 2019
View
comments
Water aerobics reduces a pregnant woman's risk of suffering a vaginal tear in labour, a study suggests.
Expectant mothers who took part in 'aquatic exercise' from weeks 20-to-37 were nearly 13 times more likely to have an 'intact perineum' following childbirth.
The perineum is the area between the anus and the vulva. This can tear due to the force of the baby coming out.
Researchers believe water aerobics helps strengthen a woman's core muscles. This may lower the force with which she has to 'push' during childbirth.
Water aerobics reduces a pregnant woman's risk of suffering a vaginal tear in labour (stock)
The research was carried out by San Cecilio University Hospital in Granada and led by Dr Raquel Rodríguez Blanque, a midwifery and nurse supervisor.
Exercise during pregnancy has been shown to reduce a woman's risk of gestational diabetes, boost her sleep quality and ward off postpartum depression, the scientists wrote in the Journal of Obstetric, Gynecologic & Neonatal Nursing.
However, studies looking into the effects of staying active on a woman's perineum 'remain insufficient'.
Pregnant women experience changes to their pelvic floor due to the increased weight of their uterus. A surge of 'new' hormones also causes their pelvic muscles to relax.
Injuries and 'perineal trauma' can also occur during childbirth. To avoid these complications, expectant mothers are typically advised to do exercise that strengthens their core.
However, concerns over the safety of being active during pregnancy puts many women off. This is despite inactivity raising their risk of needing a C-section, or forcep
