Prenatal Yoga Practice May Ease Delivery
Meta-analysis points to benefits for pregnant women.
Here’s more insight into how yoga helps pregnant exercise enthusiasts. Chinese scientists conducted a meta-analysis of studies to determine the impact of yoga practice on delivery. Research highlights include evidence that practicing yoga supports higher rates of vaginal delivery and lower rates of premature delivery. Yoga may also play a role in shortening the first and second stages of labor and appears to have no negative fetal impact.
Look for the study in Complementary Therapies in Clinical Practices (2020; 39 [101157]).
See also: Client Success: A Pregnant Pause
Shirley Eichenberger-Archer, JD, MA
Shirley Archer, JD, MA, is an internationally acknowledged integrative health and mindfulness specialist, best-selling author of 16 fitness and wellness books translated into multiple languages and sold worldwide, award-winning health journalist, contributing editor to Fitness Journal, media spokesperson, and IDEA's 2008 Fitness Instructor of the Year. She's a 25-year industry veteran and former health and fitness educator at the Stanford Prevention Research Center, who has served on multiple industry committees and co-authored trade books and manuals for ACE, ACSM and YMCA of the USA. She has appeared on TV worldwide and was a featured trainer on America's Next Top Model.
