Yoga in Pregnancy

Trials of prenatal yoga examine effects on maternal anxiety, sleep, birth outcomes, and discomfort — with generally favorable findings of moderate quality.

Summary

Randomized and quasi-experimental studies across India, Iran, the UK, and the US test structured prenatal yoga (typically adapted asana, breathing, and relaxation) from the second trimester.

Key findings

Consistent reports: reduced prenatal anxiety and depressive symptoms; improved sleep quality; reduced perceived labor pain and, in several trials, shorter labor duration and fewer low-birth-weight deliveries (the strongest, though still modest, outcome findings). Safety monitoring across trials shows low adverse-event rates with adapted practice.

Methodology

Most programs: 30–60 minutes, 3–7 sessions weekly, from 12–20 weeks of gestation; outcomes self-report-heavy.

Criticism/Limitations

Small samples, heterogeneous protocols, limited blinding; the strongest trials (Narendran et al. and successors in Indian settings) still require replication at scale.

Verification notes

• Findings reflect the perinatal yoga review literature.
• Audited against the review literature (September 2026).