Influence of pelvic floor muscle training alone or as part of a general physical activity program during pregnancy on urinary incontinence, episiotomy and third- or fourth-degree perineal tear: Systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials.

INTRODUCTION: The complex process of pregnancy and childbirth significantly influences the well-being of both mother and child. Today all pregnant women without medical contraindications are recommended to start or continue regular aerobic and strength training for at least 150 min per week to prevent pregnancy-related diseases and conditions. Urinary incontinence in pregnancy, episiotomy and third- or fourth-degree perineal tear during labor can greatly impact womens' health, quality of life and ability to be physically active. The aim of this study was to examine the efficacy of pelvic floor muscle training (PFMT) during pregnancy in the prevention of urinary incontinence, episiotomy, and third- or fourth-degree perineal tear. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A systematic review and meta-analysis (CRD42022370600) was performed. Only randomized clinical trials published between 2010 and 2023 were included. The following databases were examined: EBSCO (including Academic Search Premier, Education Resources Information Center, MEDLINE, SPORTDiscus and OpenDissertations databases), Clinicaltrials.gov, Web of Science, Scopus, Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews and Physiotherapy Evidence Database (PEDro). Three meta-analyses to investigate the effect of PFMT exclusively or implemented as a section within a physical activity program during pregnancy on urinary incontinence, episiotomy, and third- or fourth-degree perineal tear were conducted. RESULTS: Thirty studies were analyzed (N = 6691). An effective preventive action of PFMT was found for urinary incontinence (z = 3.46; p < 0.0005; relative risk [RR] = 0.72, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.59, 0.87, I2 = 59%) and third- or fourth-degree perineal tear (z = 2.89; p = 0.004; RR = 0.50, 95% CI: 0.31, 0.80, I2 = 48%) but not for episiotomy (z = 0.80; p = 0.42; RR = 0.95, 95% CI: 0.85, 1.07, I2 = 75%). CONCLUSIONS: PFMT during pregnancy proves to be an effective preventive intervention for reducing the risk of urinary incontinence and the occurrence of third- or fourth-degree perineal tears. These findings highlight the importance of incorporating PFMT into antenatal care and training programs to improve maternal well-being and overall childbirth outcomes.

Evaluating the Efficacy of ChatGPT in Navigating the Spanish Medical Residency Entrance Examination (MIR): Promising Horizons for AI in Clinical Medicine.

The rapid progress in artificial intelligence, machine learning, and natural language processing has led to increasingly sophisticated large language models (LLMs) for use in healthcare. This study assesses the performance of two LLMs, the GPT-3.5 and GPT-4 models, in passing the MIR medical examination for access to medical specialist training in Spain. Our objectives included gauging the model's overall performance, analyzing discrepancies across different medical specialties, discerning between theoretical and practical questions, estimating error proportions, and assessing the hypothetical severity of errors committed by a physician. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We studied the 2022 Spanish MIR examination results after excluding those questions requiring image evaluations or having acknowledged errors. The remaining 182 questions were presented to the LLM GPT-4 and GPT-3.5 in Spanish and English. Logistic regression models analyzed the relationships between question length, sequence, and performance. We also analyzed the 23 questions with images, using GPT-4's new image analysis capability. RESULTS: GPT-4 outperformed GPT-3.5, scoring 86.81% in Spanish (p < 0.001). English translations had a slightly enhanced performance. GPT-4 scored 26.1% of the questions with images in English. The results were worse when the questions were in Spanish, 13.0%, although the differences were not statistically significant (p = 0.250). Among medical specialties, GPT-4 achieved a 100% correct response rate in several areas, and the Pharmacology, Critical Care, and Infectious Diseases specialties showed lower performance. The error analysis revealed that while a 13.2% error rate existed, the gravest categories, such as "error requiring intervention to sustain life" and "error resulting in death", had a 0% rate. CONCLUSIONS: GPT-4 performs robustly on the Spanish MIR examination, with varying capabilities to discriminate knowledge across specialties. While the model's high success rate is commendable, understanding the error severity is critical, especially when considering AI's potential role in real-world medical practice and its implications for patient safety.

Trends, Projections, and Regional Disparities of Maternal Mortality in Africa (1990-2030): An ARIMA Forecasting Approach.

With the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) (2015-2030) focused on the reduction in maternal mortality, monitoring and forecasting maternal mortality rates (MMRs) in regions like Africa is crucial for health strategy planning by policymakers, international organizations, and NGOs. We collected maternal mortality rates per 100,000 births from the World Bank database between 1990 and 2015. Joinpoint regression was applied to assess trends, and the autoregressive integrated moving average (ARIMA) model was used on 1990-2015 data to forecast the MMRs for the next 15 years. We also used the Holt method and the machine-learning Prophet Forecasting Model. The study found a decline in MMRs in Africa with an average annual percentage change (APC) of -2.6% (95% CI -2.7; -2.5). North Africa reported the lowest MMR, while East Africa experienced the sharpest decline. The region-specific ARIMA models predict that the maternal mortality rate (MMR) in 2030 will vary across regions, ranging from 161 deaths per 100,000 births in North Africa to 302 deaths per 100,000 births in Central Africa, averaging 182 per 100,000 births for the continent. Despite the observed decreasing trend in maternal mortality rate (MMR), the MMR in Africa remains relatively high. The results indicate that MMR in Africa will continue to decrease by 2030. However, no region of Africa will likely reach the SDG target.

Influence of Physical Activity during Pregnancy on Maternal Hypertensive Disorders: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials.

Gestational hypertension is a notable concern with ramifications for maternal and fetal health. Preemptive measures, including physical activity (PA), are crucial. There is a pressing need for comprehensive investigations into the impact of various forms of PA on hypertensive disorders. A systematic review and meta-analysis (CRD42022372468) following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines was performed. Our review exclusively considered randomized clinical trials (RCTs) between 2010 and 2023, using the following databases: EBSCO, including Academic Search Premier, Education Resources Information Center, PubMed/MEDLINE, SPORTDiscus, and OpenDissertations; Clinicaltrials.gov; Web of Science; Scopus; the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews; and the Physiotherapy Evidence Database (PEDro). The primary outcome was hypertensive disorders occurring during pregnancy (14 studies). Diagnosed preeclampsia (15 studies) and blood pressure levels were also examined (17 studies). PA during pregnancy was significantly associated with a reduced risk of hypertensive disorders (RR = 0.44, 95% CI = 0.30, 0.66). The data also indicate a positive correlation between PA during pregnancy and both systolic (MD = -2.64, 95% CI = -4.79, -0.49) and diastolic (MD = -1.99, 95% CI = -3.68, -0.29) blood pressure levels. The relationship between PA and the incidence of diagnosed preeclampsia did not demonstrate a statistically significant association (RR = 0.81, 95% CI = 0.59, 1.11; p = 0.20). Random effects were used for all analyses. PA during pregnancy promises to improve maternal health by reducing the risk of gestational hypertension and positively affecting systolic and diastolic blood pressure.

The Influence of Physical Activity during Pregnancy on Maternal Pain and Discomfort: A Meta-Analysis.

Pregnant women may experience pain and discomfort during pregnancy, especially in areas such as the lower back and pelvic girdle. Pain in pregnancy is associated with poor quality of life, and because it is a common occurrence, pregnant women may be offered several resources to prevent discomforts throughout pregnancy, such as engaging in physical activity. This study was a meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials (prospectively registered in Prospero, registration number: CRD42023451320) aimed to assess the effects of physical activity during pregnancy on maternal pain and discomfort. We analysed 16 randomised clinical trials. The results of these analyses indicate that women who performed physical activity had significantly less intensity of pain (z = <2.69, p = <0.007; SMD = -0.66, 95% CI = -1.13, -0.18, I2 = <91%, Pheterogeneity = <0.001) and a reduction observed in the disability questionnaire (z = <2.37, p = <0.02; SMD = -0.80, 95% CI = -1.47, -0.14, I2 = <91%, Pheterogeneity = <0.001), and overall reduced general pain (z = <3.87, p = <0.001; SMD = -0.56, 95% CI = -0.84, -0.27, I2 = <86%, Pheterogeneity = <0.001) than women who did not practice physical activity during pregnancy. In conclusion, physical activity during pregnancy could effectively help to diminish pain intensity, reduce disability due to pain, and generally reduce pain.

Protective Effect of Exercise in Pregnant Women Including Those Who Exceed Weight Gain Recommendations: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effect of supervised moderate to vigorous exercise on gestational weight gain, its related risks (gestational diabetes [GD]), macrosomia, and type of delivery), and the preventive effects on women who exceed the weight gain recommendations. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We conducted a single-center, 2-armed, randomized controlled trial between October 1, 2009, and June 30, 2011, in which 678 women were assessed and 345 were randomized by a central computer system to an intervention group (N=115) or a standard care group (N=230). The intervention exercise program consisted of 70 to 78 sessions (24 weeks, 3 times per week, 60-65 minutes per session, moderate to vigorous intensity). The standard care group received usual care. Excessive gestational weight (EGW) gain was calculated on the basis of the 2009 Institute of Medicine (IOM) recommendations. RESULTS: Of the 345 women randomized for treatment, 44 were lost to follow-up, leaving 301 women for analysis (intervention, 100; standard care, 201). Fewer women in the intervention group exceeded IOM recommendations (22 [22.0%] vs 69 [34.3%]; P=.03), including overweight and obese women (15 of 35 [42.9%] vs 40 of 50 [80.0%]; P=.001). Analysis of women exceeding weight recommendations revealed that the 3 main related risks were directly related to EGW gain in the standard care group (GD, P=.003; macrosomia, P<.001; type of delivery, P<.001) but not in the intervention group (GD, P>.99; macrosomia, 0%; type of delivery, P=.46). CONCLUSION: Supervised moderate to vigorous exercise performed throughout gestation was effective in the prevention of EGW gain even for women with a pregestational body mass index greater than 25 kg/m2. It also prevented its related risks (GD, macrosomia, and type of delivery) including for women exceeding the IOM recommendations, so we suggest that being active outweighs the effect of possible weight gain. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT01477372.

Differences in dietary and lifestyle habits between pregnant women with small fetuses and appropriate-for-gestational-age fetuses.

AIM: The purpose of this study was to determine differences in lifestyle and dietary habits between pregnant women with small for gestational age (SGA) fetuses and those appropriate for gestational age (AGA). METHODS: This cross-sectional, prospective study was conducted over 14 months and included 46 mothers with SGA and 81 with AGA fetuses. Fetal growth was assessed by a routine third trimester scan. Participants completed questionnaires regarding dietary habits, lifestyle behavior and sociodemographic characteristics during the third trimester. RESULTS: Mothers maintaining a Mediterranean-type diet and lifestyle were more likely to have an AGA fetus (P < 0.05). The same number of women in both groups ate a vegetarian diet. Women in the SGA group had a lower intake of certain micronutrients: carotene, folic acid, iron, potassium and magnesium (P < 0.05). Women in the AGA group ate more vegetables, especially green beans, carrots, lettuce and oranges (P < 0.05). Bread, pasta, cakes and jam were also more frequently consumed by the AGA group (P < 0.05). Mothers in the SGA group drank more cola (P < 0.05), while mothers in the AGA group drank more diet cola and wine (P < 0.05). Women in the SGA group smoked more cigarettes per day (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Mothers of SGA fetuses had a different nutritional intake and cigarette smoking habits compared with mothers of AGA fetuses. No other differentiating lifestyle habits were observed between the groups. Thus, intrauterine growth conditions might be improved by the endorsement of certain dietary habits during pregnancy.

Relationship between Foetal Growth Restriction and Maternal Nutrition Status Measured by Dual-Energy X-Ray Absorptiometry, Leptin, and Insulin-Like Growth Factor.

AIMS: The aim of this study was to determine if maternal nutritional status, as defined by body composition, leptin, and insulin-like growth factor (IGF)-I levels, relates to foetal growth. METHODS: In this prospective study, mothers of foetuses with foetal growth restriction (FGR; cases; n = 46) and mothers of appropriate-for-gestational-age (AGA) foetuses (controls; n = 81) were consecutively recruited over a 14- month period. A maternal blood sample was obtained during the third trimester (between 32 and 34 weeks of gestation) for the assessment of IGF-I and leptin. Body composition was assessed by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry within the first 15 days after delivery. The study used the SPSS-PC statistical package, version 19.0, and p < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. RESULTS: Mean serum IGF-I levels were lower in the cases than in the controls (p < 0.05), whereas leptin concentrations were higher in the cases after adjusting for age, body mass index and cigarette consumption (p < 0.05). Cases had less lean and fat tissue than controls (p < 0.05) but a relatively higher fat percentage. CONCLUSIONS: The mothers of foetuses with FGR have a body composition pattern characterized by a slightly increased fraction of fat mass, lower IGF-I concentrations, and increased serum leptin levels. Optimization of maternal nutritional status should be considered, as the nutritional status may be involved in the pathogenesis of FGR.

Exercise throughout pregnancy does not cause preterm delivery: a randomized, controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: In spite of an extensive knowledge of the physiologic features of exercise during pregnancy, we still lack a comprehensive understanding of the effects of different types, intensities and duration of exercise throughout pregnancy on maternal and fetal well being. The aim of the current study was to examine the influence of an aerobic exercise program throughout pregnancy on gestational age at the moment of delivery. METHODS: This study was a randomized controlled trial. Three hundred and twenty Caucasian (Spanish) healthy pregnant women with singleton gestation were randomly assigned to either an exercise (n = 160) or a control (n = 160) group. Gestational age (weeks) and other outcomes were measured. The exercise program included 85 sessions (general fitness class, 3 times/week, 55-60 min/session from weeks 8-10 to weeks 38-39 of pregnancy). RESULTS: Two hundred and ninety women were analyzed (exercise group EG, n = 138, control group CG, n = 152). The mean gestational age did not differ between groups (EG= 39.7 ± 1.3 vs CG= 39.6 ± 1.1 weeks, P = .81). Relative to preterm deliveries in EG we found 6 (4.3%) and 11 (7.2%) in CG, (P = .73). CONCLUSIONS: A supervised program of moderate exercise performed throughout pregnancy is not a risk of preterm delivery for healthy pregnant women.

Pelvic floor muscle training included in a pregnancy exercise program is effective in primary prevention of urinary incontinence: a randomized controlled trial.

AIMS: To investigate the effect of pelvic floor muscle training (PFMT) taught in a general exercise class during pregnancy on the prevention of urinary incontinence (UI) in nulliparous continent pregnant women. METHODS: This was a unicenter two armed randomized controlled trial. One hundred sixty-nine women were randomized by a central computer system to an exercise group (EG) (exercise class including PFMT) (n = 73) or a control group (CG) (n = 96). 10.1% loss to follow-up: 10 from EG and 7 from CG. The intervention consisted of 70-75 sessions (22 weeks, three times per week, 55-60 min/session including 10 min of PFMT). The CG received usual care (which included follow up by midwifes including information about PFMT). Questions on prevalence and degree of UI were posed before (week 10-14) and after intervention (week 36-39) using the International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire-Urinary Incontinence Short Form (ICIQ-UI SF). RESULTS: At the end of the intervention, there was a statistically significant difference in favor of the EG. Reported frequency of UI [Never: CG: 54/60.7%, EG: 60/95.2% (P < 0.001)]. Amount of leakage [None: CG: 45/60.7%, EG: 60/95.2% (P < 0.001)]. There was also a statistically significant difference in ICIQ-UI SF Score between groups after the intervention period [CG: 2.7 (SD 4.1), EG: 0.2 (SD 1.2) (P < 0.001)]. The estimated effect size was 0.8. CONCLUSION: PFMT taught in a general exercise class three times per week for at least 22 weeks, without former assessment of ability to perform a correct contraction was effective in primary prevention of UI in primiparous pregnant women.

Efecto de un programa de ejercicio físico en la recuperación post-parto. Estudio piloto / Effect of the physical exercise program on the recovery post-partum period. Pilot study

Un hecho fisiológico como es el proceso de embarazo y parto, puede condicionar en gran medida la futura salud y calidad de vida de la mujer. La retención del peso gestacional, los episodios de pérdida de orina y la depresión postparto son algunos de los problemas más frecuentes a los que la mujer ha de enfrentarse tras el nacimiento de su bebé. Con este estudio se pretendió valorar si un programa de ejercicio físico supervisado puede favorecer la recuperación del peso pre-gestacional, evitar las pérdidas de orina y mejorar el estado psicológico de la mujer. Para ello se diseñó un trabajo experimental, de tipo aleatorizado, no apareado, controlado y no enmascarado que se ha desarrollado por medio de un proyecto de colaboración entre el Hospital Universitario de Fuenlabrada y la Facultad de Ciencias de la Actividad Física y el Deporte (FCCAFD-INEF) de la Universidad Politécnica de Madrid (UPM). Se seleccionaron dos grupos de mujeres, el grupo de intervención y el grupo de control, que sin contraindicaciones absolutas y con el consentimiento médico para la práctica de actividad física, se encontrasen en los primeros 3 meses del período post-parto. El grupo de intervención llevó a cabo un programa de ejercicio físico de 12 semanas de duración con una frecuencia semanal de tres veces por semana y una duración de una hora por sesión. Las variables medidas fueron: recuperación del peso pregestacional (peso, índice de masa corporal), depresión postnatal, incidencia de los problemas sociales ocasionados por la pérdida de orina y percepción sobre el estado de salud propio. Los resultados muestran una aparente asociación positiva entre el ejercicio físico programado y la percepción del estado de salud propio (15,69 vs 10,08; p=0,03). El resto de variables no presentaron diferencias significativas entre los grupos de estudio (AU)

The pregnancy processes and the delivery can condition in great measure the future health and quality of the woman’s life. The retention of the maternal weight gain, the episodes of loss of urine and the postpartum depression are some of the most frequent problems which the woman has to face after the birth of his baby. The aim of this study is to value if a program of supervised physical exercise can favor the recovery of the pre-gestacional weight, avoid the losses of urine and improve the psychological condition of the woman. This investigation project was developed by means of a collaboration between the Fuenlabrada Hospital and the Faculty of Physical Activity and the Sports Sciences (FCCAFD-INEF) UPM. An experimental work, randomized type, not controlled and not masked was designed. Two groups of women were selected, the intervention group and control group without absolute contraindications and medical consent for physical activity, they were in the first 3 months of the postpartum period. The intervention group conducted an exercise program of 12 weeks duration with a frequency of three times per week and a duration of one hour per session. The variables measured were: pregestational weight regain (weight, body mass index), postnatal depression, incidence of social problems caused by the loss of urine and perception of health status. The results show an apparent positive association between physical exercise program and the perception of health (15.69vs 10.08, p = 0.03). Other variables did not show significant difference between the study groups (AU)

Exercise during pregnancy reduces the rate of cesarean and instrumental deliveries: results of a randomized controlled trial.

OBJECTIVE: In this study, the authors assessed the effects of a structured, moderate-intensity exercise program during the entire length of pregnancy on a woman's method of delivery. METHODS: A randomized controlled trial was conducted with 290 healthy pregnant Caucasian (Spanish) women with a singleton gestation who were randomly assigned to either an exercise (n = 138) or a control (n = 152) group. Pregnancy outcomes, including the type of delivery, were measured at the end of the pregnancy. RESULTS: The percentage of cesarean and instrumental deliveries in the exercise group were lower than in the control group (15.9%, n = 22; 11.6%, n = 16 vs. 23%, n = 35; 19.1%, n = 29, respectively; p = 0.03). The overall health status of the newborn as well as other pregnancy outcomes was unaffected. CONCLUSIONS: Based on these results, a supervised program of moderate-intensity exercise performed throughout pregnancy was associated with a reduction in the rate of cesarean, instrumental deliveries and can be recommended for healthy women in pregnancy.

Efectos de un programa de ejercicio físico supervisado sobre la estructura cardiaca durante la gestación. Ensayo clínico aleatorizado / Effects of a supervised exercise program on cardiac structure during pregnancy. Randomized clinical trial

Objetivo. Analizar la seguridad del ejercicio aeróbico para el sistema cardiovascular de las mujeres gestantes y valorar las posibles mejoras cardiovasculares producidas. Sujetos y métodos. Se diseñó un ensayo clínico aleatorizado, no apareado, no enmascarado. El registro de datos se realizó en las semanas 20 y 34 de gestación. En la semana 20, se estudió a 45 gestantes del grupo de ejercicio (GE), de las cuales completaron el estudio 35. Del grupo de control (GC), en la semana 20 participaron 14, y completaron el estudio 9. Resultados. En la semana 20 hubo mejoras en el índice de masa corporal (GE: 25,1±4,3/GC: 27,9±4,5) (p=0,04) y en la presión arterial sistólica (GE: 104,7±10,9/GC: 112,5±11,3) (p=0,02). En el GC hubo presencia de hipertrofia concéntrica (n=2, 14,3%). En la semana 34, el GE presentó un mayor volumen sistólico (GE: 52,33±10,42/GC: 43,69±9,48) (p=0,03). Conclusión. El ejercicio aeróbico durante el embarazo es seguro para el sistema cardiovascular, mejorando incluso algunos parámetros (AU)

Objective. To analyze the safety of aerobic exercise for the cardiovascular system in pregnant women, and to assess improvement in the cardiovascular system. Subjects and methods. A randomized clinical trial was designed. Data collection was performed at weeks 20 and 34 of gestation. At week 20, 45 women were studied in the exercise (EG), of which 35 completed the study. There were 14 pregnant women in the control group (CG) in week 20, of which nine completed the study. Results. At week 20 there were improvements in body mass index (EG: 25.1.±.4.3/CG: 27.9±4.5) (P=.04), and in systolic blood pressure (EG: 104.7±10.9/CG: 112 .5±11.3) (P=.02). In the CG there was concentric hypertrophy (N=2; 14.3%). At week 34, the EG had a higher stroke volume (EG: 52.33±10.42/GC: 43.69±9.48) (P=.03). Conclusion. Aerobic exercise during pregnancy is safe for the cardiovascular system and even improves some parameters (AU)

Exercise during pregnancy improves maternal glucose screen at 24-28 weeks: a randomised controlled trial.

OBJECTIVE: The influence of an exercise programme performed by healthy pregnant women on maternal glucose tolerance was studied. STUDY DESIGN: A physical activity (PA, land/aquatic activities) programme during the entire pregnancy (three sessions per week) was conducted by a qualified instructor. 83 healthy pregnant women were randomly assigned to either an exercise group (EG, n=40) or a control (CG, n=43) group. 50 g maternal glucose screen (MGS), maternal weight gain and several pregnancy outcomes were recorded. RESULTS: Significant differences were found between study groups on the 50 g MGS. Values corresponding to the EG (103.8 ± 20.4 mg/dl) were better than those of the CG (126.9 ± 29.5 mg/dl), p=0.000. In addition, no differences in maternal weight gain and no cases of gestational diabetes in EG versus 3 in CG (7%) (p>0.05) were found. CONCLUSION: A moderate PA programme performed during pregnancy improves levels of maternal glucose tolerance.

Exercise during pregnancy improves maternal health perception: a randomized controlled trial.

OBJECTIVE: We have studied the effect of moderate physical activity that is performed by healthy women during their entire pregnancy on their perception of health status. STUDY DESIGN: Eighty sedentary women were assigned randomly to either an exercise group (n = 40) or a control group (n = 40). Maternal perception of health status and several pregnancy outcomes were recorded. RESULTS: Significant differences (P = .03) were found between study groups in the percentage of women who perceived their health status as "very good"; the values that corresponded to the exercise group (n = 18; 54.5%) were better than those of the control group (n = 9; 27.3%). In addition, the women of the exercise group gained less weight (11,885 ± 3146 g) than those of the control group (13,903 ± 2113; P = .03). CONCLUSION: A moderate physical activity program that is performed over the first, second, and third trimester of pregnancy improves the maternal perception of health status.