Prenatal Yoga Can Improve Psychological Health In Pregnant Women

June 23, 2023; Unhurry Expert Research Team

June 21 was International Yoga Day. All of this week, we are celebrating the positive impact of yoga on mental health. All our research articles and features will bring you these scientific insights.

Prenatal gentle Yoga treatment effectively reduces depression levels in pregnant women aged less than 20 and greater than 35. This was indicated by a study published in Gaceta Sanitaria.

Pregnant women between the ages of 20 and 35 who practice mild yoga throughout pregnancy see significant depression reduction. This study’s applied research strategy used a non-equivalent control group design technique and a quasi-experiment. The Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) questionnaire served as the testing tool.

Depression during pregnancy

Women are particularly prone to psychiatric illnesses during pregnancy. Depression is one of the psychiatric illnesses. Depression in pregnant women occurs due to the failure of coping mechanisms of pregnant women during the anxiety period. Depression, which is often referred to as an emotional condition, is a complex mood disorder in which people are unable to release the pressure that builds up inside of them.

The Latin words “deprimere” and “depressare” are the origins of the term “depression.” The Latin word “deprimere” can be translated as “press down” or “under.” “Premere” in contrast indicates “depressed.” Therefore, depressed, sad, upset, and inferior feelings can be a conclusion of depression.

Depression is a mood disorder that causes changes in activity, cognitive function, speech, and vegetative function (including sleep, sexual activity, and other biologic rhythms), as well as feelings of guilt, difficulty concentrating, appetite loss, and even thoughts of death or committing suicide.

Young pregnant women more susceptible to psychological disorders

Depression in pregnant women is influenced by several factors. In addition to hormonal considerations, it is also influenced by the age of the pregnant woman. Pregnant women aged less than 20 are particularly vulnerable to psychiatric conditions that might lead to pregnancy problems. One of the top causes of death among women between the ages of 15 and 19 is complications during pregnancy.

Meanwhile, medical problems connected to an ageing reproductive system and an ageing body are dangers for pregnant women over 35, especially primigravida. Significant changes to a woman’s physiological and psychological processes occur during pregnancy. This new situation’s adjustment process can then result in psychiatric illnesses.

Hormonal changes in pregnant women impact their mental health

Pregnancy is a time of crisis that involves significant psychological aspects that develop because of significant physical changes. This is brought on by hormonal changes, which also create emotional instability in pregnant women. Psychosocial variables, in addition to physical ones, can make pregnant women’s mental burdens worse.

Yoga enhances psychological well-being in pregnant women

Prenatal yoga is more beneficial than pregnancy exercise for reducing back pain in pregnant women, according to previous research. Additionally, yoga helps pregnant women sleep better and reduces stress and anxiety. Adult populations who practice yoga experience significant, side-effect-free reductions in anxiety, sadness, and both acute and chronic pain. As a result, yoga-based interventions can also enhance psychological well-being (including stress, anxiety, and depression) and quality of life.

In the current study, pregnant women between the ages of 20 and 35 were examined to see how well mild prenatal yoga treated depression and aberrant serotonin hormone levels. There were 24 participants separated into two groups: 12 were in the intervention group and 12 were in the control group. Pregnant women who met the study’s sample criteria were between the ages of 20 and 35, were in trimester II or trimester III, had gestational ages between 20 and 31 weeks, and had no difficulties with their pregnancy.

Yoga regulates the balance between the body and mind

The mother’s and the foetus’ physical and mental health may suffer as a result of prenatal depression. Prenatal depression symptoms can be lessened with antidepressant therapy. Antidepressant medication may worsen foetal outcomes and raise the risk of postpartum haemorrhage. As a result, pregnancy-specific yoga is currently being developed. By maintaining the appropriate balance between the body and the mind, it seeks to restore the physiological functions of the body.

What is prenatal yoga treatment?

The goal of the yoga movement, which combines physical postures and spiritual practices, is to help the body relax so that the mind and body can become at ease.

Prenatal gentle yoga is a form of yoga that is safe, calming, and extremely beneficial for expectant mothers. It is a suitable method for treating postpartum depression. Prenatal yoga’s focus on empowering pregnant women and improving their mental health is one of its guiding principles.

A study found that practicing yoga during pregnancy had benefits for expectant mothers, including lowering stress, anxiety, and physical complaints, lessening pregnancy discomfort, reducing labour pain, and quickening the opening of the delivery canal.

Prenatal gentle yoga is thought to provide benefits for nervous system control, physiological system function (cardiovascular, immune, endocrine, and neurotransmitter), and mental health to achieve a balance between the body and mind. As a result, it can lower pregnancy-related hypertension as well as the risk of premature birth and Section Caesarean (SC).

According to the study’s findings, prenatal gentle yoga therapy effectively lowers depression levels in expectant women between the ages of 20 and 35. This was demonstrated by the BDI-II (Beck Depression Inventory-II) scores obtained prior to the start of the treatment (pre-test), four weeks later (mid-test), and eight weeks later (post-test). The findings indicated that depression levels were lower in expectant women.

Source: https://www.sciencedirect.com/

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