Experts always had different views on the topic of exercise during pregnancy. Previous studies had suggested that exercise during pregnancy might interfere with fetal development. But recent study revealed that aquarobics during pregnancy can help in easing the pain of childbirth without causing any harm to the baby.

Research team led by Rosa Pereira, University of Campinas in Sao Paulo, Brazil reached this conclusion after analyzing data collected from a group of 71 expectant moms. During study, half of the subjects were randomly allocated to attend three 50-minute sessions every week over the course of their pregnancy, while the others did not take part in water aerobics at all.

Findings revealed that a course of water aerobics classes not only reduces the amount of pain-killing medication women request during labour but also makes it easier for women to give birth.

Pereira said, "We found no statistically significant differences in the duration of labour or the type of delivery between the two groups. However, only 27 per cent of women in the aerobics group requested analgesia, compared to 65 per cent in control group."

Researchers believe that it's probably the stress-busting effect of aqua-exercises that helps. Neonatal results confirmed the wellbeing of the newborn infants born to mothers who took part in the aquarobics.