The relationship of maternal exercise on labor, delivery and health of the newborn.

Thirty women were interviewed and divided into active and sedentary groups. Pre-delivery data, information regarding labor and delivery, Apgar scores of the newborn and perceived exertion during labor were recorded and statistically analyzed. Neonates of active women showed slightly higher one-minute Apgars and no difference in fetal weight or five-minute Apgars. Active women indicated lower perceived exertion during labor, longer delivery times and no differences in gestational length, maternal weight gain and time during the first stage of labor. Maternal weight gain in both groups correlated positively with fetal weight. A higher fetal weight indicated a slightly higher five-minute Apgar. Primaparas showed no difference in the first stage of labor although longer delivery time was noted. No differences in levels of medication during labor were revealed although the youngest and oldest subjects required cesarean delivery. Obese women labored longer, indicated higher perceived exertion and higher fetal weights.