Publications

Introduction Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is common in pregnancy. Maternal consequences might include an increased rate of caesarean delivery. This study was conducted to determine the effect of an exercise program on the mode of delivery in gestational diabetic females. Methods A prospective, randomized, single-blind, pre-post-test, controlled trial was performed. Overall, 60 pregnant females with GDM were included, at their 20–24 weeks of gestation, aged 25–35 years, with body mass index not exceeding 40 kg/m2. The participants were randomly assigned into 2 equal groups: group A, undergoing an exercise program with a moderately restricted diet and insulin therapy, and group B (control group), receiving solely the same diet protocol with insulin therapy. Results The chi-square test revealed significant differences between the groups in the mode of delivery (p < 0.05), with a significant decrease in caesarean deliveries in group A. Group A showed a statistically significant difference in neonates’ Apgar scores at the 1st and 5th minute of life (p < 0.05) compared with the participants in group B. Conclusions It can be concluded that antenatal exercises can be considered effective in decreasing labour complications and shifting the mode of delivery towards normal, complication-free delivery in females with GDM and their offspring.