Clinical Research Directory

Each woman in the first experimental group will follow a supervised stretching exercise program three times per week for six weeks. Sessions will begin with deep breathing warm-up, followed by stretching each target muscle for 10 seconds with 10 seconds relaxation for the first two weeks, 15 seconds stretching and relaxation in weeks three and four, and 20 seconds in weeks five and six. Each stretch will be repeated 10 times per session. After six weeks, women will be instructed to continue these exercises until delivery.

The second experimental group will follow a supervised aerobic exercise program of mild to moderate intensity (40%-60% HRmax, calculated as 220 minus age). Heart rate will be monitored before and during exercise. The program, conducted three times per week for six weeks, will start with a 5-minute low-speed walking warm-up. In the first two weeks, this will be followed by 10 minutes on a treadmill (King Fitness Model 8000AC), 5 minutes relaxation, 10 minutes on a stationary bike (GRASP93026), and 5 minutes relaxation. In weeks three and four, treadmill and bike sessions will increase to 15 minutes each, with 10 minutes relaxation between. In weeks five and six, treadmill and bike time will increase to 20 minutes, with 15 minutes relaxation between. After six weeks, women will continue these exercises until delivery.

All women in both groups will be treated by antihypertensive drugs (labipress) for 6 weeks.