AWARENESS ABOUT THE ROLE OF PHYSIOTHERAPY MANAGEMENT DURING LABOUR AMONG WOMEN OF REPRODUCTIVE AGE GROUP IN MUMBAI: A CROSS – SECTIONAL STUDY

Background: Labour is a physically and emotionally demanding experience for women. Physiotherapy can provide supportive, non-pharmacological strategies such as breathing and relaxation techniques, exercise, and appropriate positioning to help women cope during labour. However, awareness of the role of physiotherapy during childbirth may be limited. This study assessed awareness of physiotherapy management during labour among women of reproductive age in Mumbai.
Aim and Objectives: To assess awareness regarding the role of physiotherapy management during labour among women of reproductive age using a validated questionnaire.
Materials and Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among 172 women aged 18–45 years selected through convenience sampling. After obtaining informed consent, data were collected using an 18-item validated, interview-based questionnaire comprising two-point, three-point, and multiple-choice questions. Descriptive statistics were used to summarize the responses.
Results: The mean age of participants was 26.38 ± 6.30 years. Of the 172 participants, 104 (59.0%) were aware that physiotherapy has a role during labour, while 36 (21.0%) were unsure and 32 (19.0%) were unaware. Only 63 (36.6%) were aware of specific physiotherapy approaches, and 27 (15.7%) knew that physiotherapists could teach labour positions. Only 21 (12.2%) had attended a session related to physiotherapy during labour. However, 83 (48.3%) were willing to attend such a session in the future, and 160 (93.0%) would recommend physiotherapy support during labour to friends or family.
Conclusion: Although general awareness of physiotherapy during labour was fairly good, understanding of specific techniques and their practical application remained limited. Strengthening antenatal education and increasing the involvement of physiotherapists in maternal healthcare may improve women's awareness and access to supportive care during childbirth