Abstract

PRENATAL YOGA: A HOLISTIC NON-PHARMACOLOGICAL INTERVENTION FOR ENHANCING MATERNAL AND FETAL OUTCOMES—A REVIEW

Dr. Jyoti Singh*, Dr. Swati Malsariya and Prof. K. Bharathi

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Abstract

Background: Pregnancy induces significant physiological and psychological transformations. There is growing interest in integrative approaches, such as yoga, to support maternal well-being and optimize perinatal outcomes. Objective: This review evaluates the current clinical evidence on the effects of prenatal yoga on maternal health, fetal outcomes, labor progression, and mental well-being. Methods: A narrative review was conducted based on peer-reviewed randomized controlled trials (RCTs), clinical studies, and meta-analyses related to prenatal yoga. The review includes physiological mechanisms, outcome evaluations, safety considerations, and future research directions. Results: Studies consistently demonstrate that prenatal yoga improves stress resilience, sleep quality, and emotional stability; reduces labor duration and pain perception; and supports healthy fetal development. Mechanistic insights point to neuroendocrine regulation, autonomic balance, and musculoskeletal conditioning as key mediators.

Keywords: Prenatal yoga, maternal health, labor outcomes, pregnancy anxiety, and fetal development.