Acute Fetal Response to Prenatal Yoga

Acute Fetal Response to Prenatal Yoga: A Single Blinded, Randomized Controlled Trial (TRY Yoga Study)

Prenatal yoga has become a popular means of exercise during pregnancy.

In 2012, yoga was reported to be practiced by approximately 20 million Americans, out of which 82% are women practitioners. The effects of yoga on the fetus have not been demonstrated. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the acute fetal response to yoga exercises by assessing fetal well-being via ultrasound and non-stress testing among healthy women. The investigators hypothesize that yoga during pregnancy does not have any acute negative effects on fetal behavior as assessed by umbilical artery Dopplers and fetal heart rate or maternal vital signs.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Uncomplicated singletons pregnancies
• Gestational age between 28 0/7 and 36 6/7 weeks
• No known fetal anomalies
• Women with no prior experience with yoga
• Currently receiving routine prenatal care
• No contraindications to exercise
• Able to read and understand English
• Well dated pregnancy

Exclusion Criteria:

• Pregnant minors less than 18 years of age
• Multiple gestations
• Those patients that have been advised by their doctor not to exercise during this pregnancy (i.e. Vaginal bleeding, history of preterm delivery less than 34 weeks, cervical insufficiency, cerclage in place, placenta previa, any chronic medical conditions)
• Congenital fetal anomalies or intrauterine growth restriction
• Cigarette smokers
• Chronic narcotic dependence