Publication Date

11-2019

School

School of Nursing

Major

Nursing (B.S.N.)

Keywords

pregnancy, prenatal, yoga, labor, delivery, infant

Disciplines

Alternative and Complementary Medicine | Maternal, Child Health and Neonatal Nursing

Abstract

Prenatal yoga has emerged as an advisable, beneficial, and supportive addition to birth preparation. Many studies have linked participation in prenatal yoga with both maternal and infant benefits. Physical benefits for the mother include decreased labor time, decreased labor pain, and improved comfort during pregnancy. Significant emotional and mental effects have also been correlated, such as lowered rates of depression and anxiety, increased self-efficacy in labor, and easier transitions into the postpartum period. Finally, prenatal yoga has demonstrated benefits to the neonate, with a greater number of vaginal deliveries, which are less traumatic for the infant, an increase in gestational age at birth, and an increase in birth weight. These indicators point to a healthy infant who is physiologically prepared for birth and the transition to life outside the womb. Research and personal testimonies agree: prenatal yoga greatly improves the pregnancy, labor, delivery, and post-partum experiences for both the mother and the baby and should be encouraged as a component of prenatal care as health professionals seek to perform patient-centered care and education.

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