Is Prenatal Aquatic Exercise Associated with Maternal and Neonatal Outcomes? A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.21831/jomassh.v2i1.2812Keywords:
aquatic exercise, pregnancy, neonatal outcomes, maternal outcomesAbstract
Introduction: Aquatic exercise is increasingly recommended during pregnancy due to its low musculoskeletal impact and potential maternal benefits. However, evidence regarding its effects on maternal and neonatal outcomes remains inconclusive. This study aims to evaluate the association effect of prenatal aquatic exercise interventions during the perinatal period including prenatal aquatic exercise, mixed exercise programs, and hydrotherapy during labor on neonatal and maternal outcomes through a systematic review and meta-analysis specific randomized controlled trials. Methods: A systematic search of Scopus, PubMed, and ScienceDirect was conducted to identify all RCTs published until January 2026 and involving aquatic exercise during pregnancy. Outcomes included neonatal outcomes (birth weight and APGAR scores at 1 and 5 minutes) and maternal outcomes (mode of delivery, labor duration, and labor pain). A random-effects model was used, and heterogeneity was assessed using the I² statistic. Results: Eleven randomized controlled trials involving 2,261 participants were included. No significant differences were observed in birth weight (MD = 45.25 g; 95% CI: −7.00 to 97.50) or APGAR scores at 1 and 5 minutes between groups. Similarly, no significant differences were found in vaginal delivery rates (RR = 0.99; 95% CI: 0.93–1.05) or labor duration (MD = −46.45 minutes; 95% CI: −102.84 to 9.94). However, aquatic exercise was associated with a significant reduction in labor pain (MD = −0.40; 95% CI: −0.67 to −0.13). Conclusion: Prenatal aquatic exercise shows no significant differences in neonatal and most maternal outcomes but is associated with a small reduction in labor pain. It may serve as a non-pharmacological approach to improve maternal comfort during labor.
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Copyright (c) 2026 Faris Regi Riswana, Britania Laila Nanda, Faris Rega Riswana, Krisjentha Iffah Agustasari
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