Neurophysiological Effects of Yoga Intervention on Pregnancy

There is continuous adaptation of the maternal physiology during pregnancy. In order to accommodate the increased demand of a growing fetus, there are obvious physical and physiological discomforts. In few decades, prenatal Yoga has gained popularity due to its possible benefits for both mother and fetus. The acceptance of Yoga as a lifestyle and behavioral modification intervention has drastically increased as research and awareness have advanced. Yoga has been found to have a positive effect on the overall health and neurophysiology of pregnancy. Studies have shown that Yoga can reduce stress, anxiety, and depression in pregnant women. It can also improve sleep quality, reduce fatigue, and improve overall well-being. Although process of delineating the mechanism of action of Yoga is still in early phase, there is still bulk of evidence to support the benefits of Yoga at physiological, psychological, molecular, and cellular dimensions. Continuous harmonious adaptation of Yoga as a lifestyle is one of the secrets of healthy pregnancy outcomes. With the aid of scientific evidence, this chapter explains how physiology changes during pregnancy and how Yoga can contribute to neurophysiological health in pregnancy.