Yoga May Reduce Pregnancy Complications

Doppler ultrasound is routinely used on pregnant women to assess development of the fetus. Abnormal umbilical vessel findings on Doppler ultrasound are linked with increased risk for pregnancy complications including premature delivery, pre-eclampsia and hypertension. Now research reports that yoga practice may help reduce pregnancy complications in pregnant women with an abnormal ultrasound.

The Study

The study, published in the Journal of of the Indian Medical Association, examined the
effect of yoga on the outcome of pregnancy complications. Researchers at the Gunasheela Surgical and Maternity Hospital (GSMH) in Bangalore, India, administered either one hour of yoga daily (yoga group) or 30 minutes of walking twice daily (control group) to 121 pregnant women with abnormal ultrasound findings at 18 to 20 weeks gestation. The yoga practice included postures (asanas), breathing and meditation. Both groups participated in the exercise routines until time of delivery.

The Results

The researchers found that the yoga group had babies with higher birth weights, compared to the control group. Findings also revealed that the yoga group had a reduced incidence of pregnancy complications including premature delivery, pregnancy induced-hypertension and intrauterine growth retardation.

The Main Point

"Occurrence of complications of pregnancy (pregnancy-induced hypertension, intrauterine growth retardation, pre-term delivery) shows lower trends in yoga group." the study authors conclude.

This study is significant because it suggests that regular yoga practice may help reduce the risk pregnancy complications. Just one hour of yoga daily may provide substantial health benefits to expectant mothers.

Your Thoughts

Are you a pregnant mom practicing yoga? Please share with us below.

Sources

Narendran S et al. Efficacy of yoga in pregnant women with abnormal Doppler study of umbilical and uterine arteries. J Indian Med Assoc. 2005 Jan;103(1):12-4, 16-7.

Gavalas, Elaine. The Yoga Minibook for Stress Relief. Simon & Schuster Fireside. elainegavalas.com .