One study in India (2005) that yoga is safe during pregnancy with positive outcomes for the mother and child including improved birth weights and decreased chance of preterm labour.
A paper that looked at 6 randomized controlled trial studies concluded that a prenatal yoga program results in positive benefits for pregnancy, labour and birth outcomes. While safety was not a considered parameter in the RCT study they found that there was:
- Improvements in stress levels,
- Improved quality of life for the mother,
- Increased aspects of interpersonal relating,
- Improved autonomic nervous system functioning, and
- Improved labour parameters such as comfort, pain, and duration
General Guidelines for Safe Practice
- Gentle Twists (open twists) that promote space are beneficial: Avoid strong closed twisting
- Pelvic floor work is beneficial: avoid strong pelvic strain and abdominal contractions
- Backbends only recommended for advanced students
- Prone poses not recommended from 2nd Trimester
- Find awareness in transitioning between poses – adopt a mindful practice
- Awareness of the ‘Vena Cave Syndrome’ : Supine poses should not be practiced from 2nd Trimester
- Forward folds (inversions) may not be suitable : awareness of blood pressure, dizziness
- Awareness of balance poses and venous pressure
- Maintain ambient body temperature
- Maintain rhythmic, regular heart rate: avoid over exertion
- Awareness of the affects that some hormones have on the body : relaxin and over stretching
- Keep poses moving and only hold poses for short periods of time
- Use supports whenever and wherever available