Systematic Review of Yoga for Pregnant Women: Current Status and Future Directions

Abstract

Objectives. Yoga is used for a variety of immunological, neuromuscular, psychological, and pain conditions. Recent studies indicate that it may be effective in improving pregnancy, labour, and birth outcomes. The purpose of this paper is to evaluate the existing literature on yoga for pregnancy. Methods. Six databases were searched using the terms “yoga AND pregnancy” and “yoga AND [post-natal OR post-partum]”. Trials were considered if they were controlled and evaluated a yoga intervention. All studies were evaluated for methodological quality according to the Jadad scale and the Delphi List. Results. Six trials were identified: three were randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and three were controlled trials (CTs). The methodological quality and reporting ranged from 0–5 on the Jadad scale and from 3–6 on the Delphi List. Findings from the RCT studies indicate that yoga may produce improvements in stress levels, quality of life, aspects of interpersonal relating, autonomic nervous system functioning, and labour parameters such as comfort, pain, and duration. Conclusions. The findings suggest that yoga is well indicated for pregnant women and leads to improvements on a variety of pregnancy, labour, and birth outcomes. However, RCTs are needed to provide more information regarding the utility of yoga interventions for pregnancy.

A randomized controlled trial of yoga for pregnant women with symptoms of depression and anxiety

“…Nonpharmacological interventions may offer benefit as many pregnant women report preference for such options [25,43]. Complementary and integrative practices, such as yoga, are gaining acceptance as viable treatment options for a range of physical and mental health problems [5,6,13,34,45,48]. A systematic review of 12 randomized controlled trials of yoga as an intervention for depression among a general population of adults found yoga to be an effective intervention in the short-term treatment of depression [11].…”

Effects of Yoga on Sleep Quality, Depression in Children with Cerebral Palsy

“…The purpose of yoga is to use body mechanics, respiration techniques, control of the mind, meditation and thought application and creating balance in the emotional, mental, physical and spiritual levels [26]. In this study, it was seen that the yoga application had a statistically positive effect on posture.…”

Doğum Ağrisinda Kullanilan Tamamlayici Tedavi̇ Yöntemleri̇

“…Gebenin stresini, öfkesini azaltır daha sakin ve daha kontrollü daha huzurlu olmasını sağlar. Doğum sonrasında da annenin bebeği kabullenme sürecini hızlandırır (Curtis, Weinrib and Katz 2012;Wren, Wright, Carson and Keefe 2011).…”