A Randomized Controlled Trial on the Efficacy of Integrated Yoga on Pregnancy Outcome

Abstract

Physiological and biochemical changes occur in pregnancy to nurture the developing fetus. Pregnancy-related experience is unique to every woman. Pregnancy symptoms and complications can range from mild to severe. Many women can lower their risk by performing different therapies. In this context, the present study targets to evaluate the efficacy of integrated yoga consisting of (asanas and pranayama) on pregnancy to reduce the risk of complications. This study is a prospective randomized controlled single-blinded trial with parallel arms: the intervention arm received specific integrated yoga therapy; the control arm received routine standard care from 18 to 22 weeks of gestation until delivery. The incidence of preeclampsia and preterm delivery was lower in the intervention arm. Women in the intervention arm delivered at higher gestational age. Apgar scores and birth weights of neonates were significantly higher in the intervention arm. The findings suggest that yoga is a safe and effective intervention during pregnancy to reduce or prevent pregnancy-related complications. However, further randomized controlled trials are needed to provide firmer evidence regarding the utility and validity of yoga intervention during pregnancy.