Pregnancy brings major physical and emotional changes, making it important for expectant mothers to maintain both their physical and mental wellbeing. A new study from All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), New Delhi, suggests that practicing prenatal yoga may help pregnant women manage weight gain more effectively and reduce stress levels during pregnancy.
The study, published in the International Journal of Reproduction, Contraception, Obstetrics and Gynaecology, was conducted by researchers including Dr. Deeksha Prasad, Dr. Aparna Sharma, Dr. Peyyala Shainy from the Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Dr. Gautam Sharma from the Department of Cardiology, AIIMS New Delhi.
Yoga's Impact on Pregnancy
The researchers conducted a randomised controlled trial involving 120 first time pregnant women between 16 and 20 weeks of pregnancy. Participants were divided into two groups. One group followed a specially designed prenatal yoga programme, while the other received routine antenatal care along with dietary counselling and advice to walk for 30 minutes daily.
The yoga programme, developed by experts at the Centre for Integrative Medicine and Research (CIMR), AIIMS, included breathing exercises, physical postures, meditation and relaxation techniques tailored for different stages of pregnancy.
Lower Weight Gain, Less Stress
The study found that women who practiced yoga experienced significantly lower gestational weight gain compared with those in the control group.
Researchers also observed notable improvements in psychological wellbeing. Women in the yoga group reported lower perceived stress levels at both 28 and 36 weeks of pregnancy, while stress levels remained higher among those who did not participated in yoga sessions.
According to the study, regular yoga practice helped women feel calmer and better equipped to cope with the emotional demands of pregnancy.
Safe and Easy to Follow
Importantly, no complications related to yoga practice were reported during the study. Participants attended supervised sessions and were encouraged to continue practicing at home several times a week.
The researchers noted that yoga offers a gentle form of physical activity that can be easily adapted for pregnant women while also providing mental health benefits through breathing exercises and meditation.
Potential Benefits for Mothers and Babies
Excessive weight gain and high stress levels during pregnancy have been linked to complications such as gestational diabetes, high blood pressure, preterm birth and other adverse maternal and foetal outcomes.
The findings suggest that yoga may help lower these risks by promoting healthier weight management and reducing stress throughout pregnancy.
The researchers concluded that prenatal yoga can be a safe and effective complementary practice during pregnancy. Besides helping control excessive weight gain, it may also improve emotional wellbeing and support healthier pregnancy outcomes for both mother and baby.
