Acute Fetal Response to Prenatal Yoga

Not Applicable

Completed

• Conditions: Pregnancy
• Interventions: Behavioral: Yoga intervention

• Registration Number: NCT02063711
• Lead Sponsor: University of Missouri, Kansas City

Brief Summary

Prenatal yoga has become a popular means of exercise during pregnancy.

Detailed Description

In 2012, yoga was reported to be practiced by approximately 20 million Americans, out of which 82% are women practitioners. The effects of yoga on the fetus have not been demonstrated. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the acute fetal response to yoga exercises by assessing fetal well-being via ultrasound and non-stress testing among healthy women. The investigators hypothesize that yoga during pregnancy does not have any acute negative effects on fetal behavior as assessed by umbilical artery Dopplers and fetal heart rate or maternal vital signs.

Study Timeline

• Study First Submitted: 2014-01-30
• Study Start: 2014-02
• Study First Submitted QC: 2014-02-12
• Study First Posted: 2014-02-14
• Primary Completion: 2015-02
• Study Completion: 2015-02
• Status Verified: 2015-03
• Last Update Submitted: 2015-03-30
• Last Update Posted: 2015-03-31

Recruitment & Eligibility

• Status: COMPLETED
• Sex: Female
• Target Recruitment: 46

Inclusion Criteria

• Uncomplicated singletons pregnancies
• Gestational age between 28 0/7 and 36 6/7 weeks
• No known fetal anomalies
• Women with no prior experience with yoga
• Currently receiving routine prenatal care
• No contraindications to exercise
• Able to read and understand English
• Well dated pregnancy

Exclusion Criteria

• Pregnant minors less than 18 years of age
• Multiple gestations
• Those patients that have been advised by their doctor not to exercise during this pregnancy (i.e. Vaginal bleeding, history of preterm delivery less than 34 weeks, cervical insufficiency, cerclage in place, placenta previa, any chronic medical conditions)
• Congenital fetal anomalies or intrauterine growth restriction
• Cigarette smokers
• Chronic narcotic dependence

Study & Design

• Study Type: INTERVENTIONAL
• Study Design: PARALLEL

Arm && Interventions

Group	Intervention	Description
Yoga Intervention	Yoga intervention	A 1-hour yoga session will take place with guided instruction provided by a registered yoga instructor. The class includes a warm up period of 5 minutes, which includes sitting with the eyes closed and slowly breathing through the nose. After which the participant will perform a series of yoga postures in coordination with her breathing for approximately 45 minutes. The last 10 minutes of class will encompass a semi-recumbent relaxation period. This is a one time intervention.

Primary Outcome Measures

Name	Time	Method
umbilical artery S/D ratio (Dopplers)	An umbilical artery ratio will be obtained on the day of intervention via an ultrasound machine. The first assessment will be before the intervention. The second assessment will be after a 1 hour intervention.	The primary outcome of our study will be assessing umbilical artery S/D ratio (Dopplers). Doppler examination will be performed on the day of intervention. Approximately 20-30 minutes prior to the intervention and 20-30 minutes after a 1 hour intervention.

Secondary Outcome Measures

Name	Time	Method
Fetal Heart Rate	Fetal heart rate will be obtained on the day of intervention via a non stress test. The first assessment will be before the intervention. The second assessment will be after a 1 hour intervention.	The secondary outcome will be the fetal heart rate. To assess if there is a change from 20-30 minutes prior to an intervention, to 20 -30 minutes after a 1 hour intervention.

Trial Locations

Locations (1)

Truman Medical Center; 🇺🇸 Kansas City, Missouri, United States