A comprehensive review on scientific evidence-based effects (including adverse effects) of yoga for normal and high-risk pregnancy-related health problems.

ABSTRACT

Women undergo distinct physiological changes and stress during pregnancy that are accompanied by various physical and psychological demands. Yoga is a complementary therapy that is commonly used by pregnant women and recommended by healthcare professionals. Thus, it is very important to know its evidence based effects, including adverse effects from all types of research. A comprehensive literature search in PubMed/Medline electronic database from inception to 23 September 2017 was performed using the keywords "yoga for pregnancy". In total, 137 articles published since 1979 were available. Of the 137 articles, 53 articles were included for the review. This comprehensive review suggests that yoga could be considered as an evidence-based complementary therapy in improving both physical and psychological wellbeing in pregnant women during pregnancy (normal and high-risk), childbirth, and post-partum. However, types, duration, and frequency of yoga practices varied among the studies and the exact mechanisms behind the effects of yoga are less understood and need to be explored.