LACK OF CLINICAL EVIDENCE ON THE IMPACT OF YOGIC PRACTICES ON THE PSYCHOLOGICAL WELL-BEING OF PREGNANT WOMEN: A CRITICAL REVIEW
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.69919/f8y2nc64Keywords:
Prenatal yoga, pregnancy, psychological well-being, anxiety, depression, maternal mental health, clinical evidenceAbstract
Pregnancy is the most crucial phase of women life where women face emotional, physical and psychological challenges. These challenges not only effects women’s physical and mental health but also effect fetal well-being. Yogic mind body practices are highly recommended however, despite their increasing use and consistent clinical evidence to support their effectiveness remains limited. This paper is to examine existing research on impact of yogic practices on pregnant women with emotional, physical and psychological point of view.
Complex biopsychosocial period characterized by profound physiological, hormonal, and emotional changes. While often perceived as a positive life event, pregnancy is also associated with increased vulnerability to anxiety, stress, and depressive symptoms. Growing concerns regarding pharmacological management of prenatal mental health conditions have led to increasing interest in complementary and alternative approaches such as yogic practices. Prenatal yoga, incorporating physical postures, breathing techniques, meditation, and relaxation methods, is widely promoted for improving maternal psychological well-being. However, despite its popularity and widespread clinical recommendation, the strength and consistency of clinical evidence supporting its effectiveness remain limited. This paper critically examines existing research, evaluates methodological strengths and weaknesses, identifies gaps in current literature, and discusses implications for clinical practice and public health.
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