Delivering a child is a daunting experience, particularly for first-time mothers. Preparing for delivery can help reduce negative reactions during labor. Therefore, this study aims to evaluate the performance of exercise instructions provided to first-time mothers during labor preparation in improving labor outcomes and maternal comfort. A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted on a sample of (30) midwives working in labor preparation in the delivery ward of the hospital. Participants received standardized exercises from trained midwives. Performance was assessed using a structured observational checklist measuring not performing, below expectation, meet expectation, and exceed expectation. The walking exercise was performed at an exceeded expected rate by 46.7% of participants, while the birth ball exercise had a lower participation rate, with 60% not performing it. The majority (93.3%) did not perform squats, indicating below-expectation performance. The butterfly stretch was not performed by any participant (100%), categorizing it as not performed. The pelvic tilt exercise was not performed by any participant (100%). The back stretch (66.7%) is not performing, indicating below-expectation performance. Similarly, the child's pose exercise (76.7%) not performing it, also falls below expectations. Moreover, Kegel exercises were not performed by any participant (100%), Perineal massage (76.7%) was not performed, indicating below-expectation performance. In contrast, deep, slow breathing had the highest engagement, with 56.7% exceeding expectations, indicating strong performance in this category.
The exercise performance evaluation identified significant deficiencies in how midwives deliver pre-labor exercise instructions to first-time mothers. Current practices are inconsistent and inadequate for properly preparing women for vaginal delivery. Recommended continuing education programs focused on evidence-based prenatal exercise protocols.