Effect of Regular Exercise Assessed by Pedometer on Pregnancy Outcomes and Maternal Mental Health.

Background: We sought to analyze the impact of physical activity and exercise ability, measured with a pedometer, on obstetric and neonatal outcomes. Methods: Women who engaged, Türkiye in exercise for 30 minutes or longer during pregnancy were classified as the exercise group, whereas those who did not exercise were classified as the control group. The exercise capacity of women was evaluated by a 6-minute walking test utilizing a step counter, and its correlation with pregnancy outcomes was established. Postpartum anxiety levels and satisfaction were evaluated on the first and eighth days postpartum. Results: The exercise group exhibited a significantly increased step count and length, alongside a reduced incidence of pregnancy problems (P < .05). The duration of labor, initial breastfeeding time, and neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) requirements were significantly reduced in the exercise group (P < .05). A notable disparity was detected between the two groups for anxiety levels and satisfaction and postpartum depression (P < .05). Conclusion: Regular physical activity throughout gestation positively influences pregnancy outcomes and maternal well-being, without inducing difficulties for either the mother or the infant.