Effectiveness of Prenatal Exercise on Back Pain in Third Trimester Pregnant Women

Anita Indrayani

Authors

Anita Indrayani , Universitas Prima Indonesia, Medan, Indonesia Author

Keywords:

Back Pain, Pregnancy, Prenatal Exercise, Third Trimester, Women’s Health

Abstract

Back pain is a common complaint among pregnant women, particularly during the third trimester, significantly affecting daily function and quality of life. Prenatal exercise has been suggested as a non-pharmacological intervention to manage such discomforts, yet evidence on its specific effectiveness for back pain relief in late pregnancy remains varied. This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of a structured prenatal exercise program in reducing the intensity and frequency of back pain among third trimester pregnant women. A randomized controlled trial was conducted involving 120 pregnant women in their third trimester, divided equally into an intervention group and a control group. The intervention group participated in a supervised prenatal exercise program three times per week for eight weeks, including stretching, strengthening, and low-impact aerobic activities. The control group received standard antenatal care without exercise. Back pain levels were assessed using the Visual Analog Scale (VAS) and the Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) at baseline, mid-intervention, and post-intervention. The intervention group demonstrated a statistically significant reduction in back pain intensity and disability scores compared to the control group (p < 0.01). Participants reported improved mobility and reduced reliance on pain relief strategies. Prenatal exercise is an effective intervention for alleviating back pain in third trimester pregnant women. Incorporating structured exercise into antenatal care may enhance maternal comfort and well-being.

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