Investigating the effect of Pilates on maternal and infant outcomes in pregnancy

Articles in Press

Document Type : Original Research Article

Authors

1 Department of Midwifery, Shahrekord University of Medical Sciences, Shahrekord, Iran Community-Oriented Nursing Midwifery Research Center, Shahrekord University of Medical Sciences, Shahrekord, Iran

2 Academic Member, Department of Health, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Shahrekord Branch, Islamic Azad University, Shahrekord, Iran.

3 Community-Oriented Nursing Midwifery Research Center, Shahrekord University of Medical Sciences, Shahrekord, Iran

10.22038/jmrh.2025.76714.2269

Abstract

Background: we decided to evaluate the effect of Pilates on Maternal and Newborn outcomes.
Materials and method: In the present double-blind randomized clinical trial. The participants include 60 pregnant women who referred to the health care centers in Shahrekord City. The participants entered the study in a simple random manner and were randomly divided into intervention and control groups based on lottery. The intervention group women, who are at 20 weeks of gestation, were required to attend two Pilates sessions per week for 12 weeks. Each session lasted 30 minutes with moderate intensity. The participants' Maternal and Newborn outcome were evaluated through self-reporting method with a checklist questionnaire to evaluate maternal and newborn outcomes via referring to the patient's hospital file and receiving the physician's opinion in 3 to 5 days after delivery. Data were analyzed using independent t-test and ANOVA test by running SPSS software version 23. The P-values of <0.05 were statistically significant.
Results: Two groups are matched in terms of their demographic characteristics prior to the intervention. After the intervention maternal outcome such as low back pain (0.001), pelvic pain (P<0.001), gestational diabetes (P<0.001) , transient hypertension of pregnancy (0.002) and urinary incontinence(0.013) were significantly lower in the intervention than the control group But Pilates had not any effect on neonatal outcome(Jaundice, Transient Tachypnea of the Newborn, Stillbirth, Birth weight).
Conclusion: it is recommended to be included in educational programs related to pregnancy care and women who face these complications.

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Journal of Midwifery and Reproductive Health

Articles in Press, Accepted Manuscript
Available Online from 15 October 2025

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