The Impact of Prenatal Yoga Exercise on the Stress Levels, Psychological Resilience, Distribution of the Second Stage of Labor, and Pregnancy Outcomes in Pregnant Women

Background: Pregnancy presents significant physical, emotional, and psychological challenges for women. Prenatal yoga exercise has been increasingly recognized for its potential to address these aspects of maternal health. However, the specific impact of prenatal yoga exercise remains an area of ongoing investigation. This study aimed to investigate the effects of prenatal yoga exercise on stress levels, psychological resilience, the duration of the second stage of labor, and pregnancy outcomes in pregnant women. Understanding these effects is crucial for improving maternal and neonatal health, as well as informing antenatal care practices. Methods: A retrospective cohort study was conducted on expectant mothers admitted to our hospital from January 2023 to June 2023. They were divided into a non-prenatal yoga exercise group (n = 67) and a prenatal yoga exercise group (n = 64). Prenatal yoga exercise involved a tailored program from the 16th week of pregnancy until delivery. A range of measurements including stress levels, psychological resilience, duration of labor stages, and pregnancy outcomes were assessed. Results: Post-intervention stress levels decreased significantly in the prenatal yoga group (p = 0.018) compared to the non-prenatal yoga group. Post-intervention psychological resilience scores were higher in the prenatal yoga group (p = 0.014) compared to the non-prenatal yoga group. The second stage of labor was shorter in the prenatal yoga group (p = 0.010) than in the non-prenatal yoga group. The prenatal yoga group also exhibited lower rates of forceps delivery, episiotomy, oxytocin use, cesarean section, and a higher rate of vaginal delivery, all with significant differences (p < 0.05). Significant correlations were found between prenatal yoga and maternal outcomes (p < 0.05). Conclusions: This study provides insights into potential benefits of prenatal yoga exercise in reducing stress, enhancing psychological resilience, promoting efficient labor progress, and improving pregnancy outcomes.