It is primarily believed that practicing yoga among expectant mothers especially during their third semester is contraindicated. However, this new study debunks those previous notions and even encourages its practice.
The current research enroled 25 women with age of gestation between 35 and 38 weeks to a one-on-one yoga class. Generally speaking, they are all healthy and have no pregnancy-related complications such as pregnancy-induced high blood pressure or gestational diabetes. All members of the group have the same age, body mass index, race and parity.
Both experienced and first timers took part in the test. Of the 25 participants, 10 were regular yoga practitioners; eight were familiar with the practice, while seven had no experience at all.
All of the pregnant women tried 26 different yoga poses. Of which, four were deemed dangerous during the late stage or pregnancy, namely, the Happy Baby pose, Corpse pose, Child's pose and Downward-facing dog. Meanwhile, other poses that involve balancing pose were slightly modified, for example, use of blocks, chairs or walls.
Baseline women's vital sign, oxygen levels and uterine contractions as well as the fetal heart rate were obtained. Furthermore, in every posture, similar data were recorded. Pre- and post-session vital signs show normal findings, and no safety hazard problems were recorded.
Twenty-four hours after the session concluded, follow-up emails were sent to the moms-to-be. No one complained of any distress like increased uterine contraction, reduced fetal movement, vaginal bleeding or leakage of fluid. Aside from the three who reported muscle soreness, all 25 pregnant women claimed to feel good following the yoga session.
Thus, this study clears previous notions that pregnant women cannot practice yoga especially during their third trimester. With no significant alterations in their physiological well-being, in both mother and fetus, all yoga postures were well tolerated, including those that were previously thought to be contraindicated. Yoga can therefore be helpful for women in all stages of pregnancy.
