Three pregnant women kneel on yoga mats. They are holding their stomachs and have their eyes closed.

Study on yoga for pregnant women with depression and anxiety

Kyle Davis et al.

August 2015

Mental health

Yoga (individual)

In this study, 46 pregnant women with symptoms of depression and anxiety were randomized to either an 8-week yoga intervention or treatment as usual to examine feasibility and preliminary outcomes.

Yoga was associated with high credibility and satisfaction scores as an intervention for depression and anxiety during pregnancy. Participants in both groups reported significant improvements in symptoms of depression and anxiety over time; yoga was also associated with significantly greater reductions in negative feelings compared to TAU.

Thus, the results indicate that prenatal yoga was found to be a feasible and acceptable intervention and may contribute to the reduction of symptoms of anxiety and depression, especially the reduction of negative feelings.

The most important information on the study at a glance

Indications: Anxiety, depression
Institution: Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, University of Colorado Boulder, USA Department of Psychology, Emory University, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA
Title: Study on yoga for pregnant women with depression and anxiety
Brief description: Study shows that prenatal yoga is an effective method for reducing anxiety and depression in pregnant women.
Original title: A randomized controlled trial of yoga for pregnant women with symptoms of depression and anxiety
Link to the study: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26256135/