The effect of yoga on birth outcomes of Chinese pregnancies with preeclampsia

This study aimed to assess the association between prenatal yoga intervention and birth outcomes in Chinese pregnancies complicated by preeclampsia (PE). Specifically, it evaluated the relationship between yoga and neonatal outcomes such as Apgar scores, preterm birth, and low birth weight, as well as maternal hospitalization duration. A prospective, non-randomized interventional study was conducted. A total of 136 pregnant women diagnosed with mild preeclampsia were enrolled at Qingdao Municipal Hospital between February 2025 and May 2025. The cohort primarily consisted of early-onset preeclampsia cases, with an overall mean gestational age at birth of 37.36 ± 2.01 weeks. Participants were allocated into two groups: the PE group (n = 82) and the PE + Yoga group (n = 54). The PE group received standard obstetric care, while the PE + Yoga group participated in a structured prenatal yoga program three times per week, starting at gestational weeks 28–32. Clinical data were collected, including maternal baseline characteristics, pregnancy-related factors, and birth outcomes. Neonatal parameters such as birth weight, length, and circumferences of the head and chest were recorded. Logistic regression analysis was used to evaluate the association between yoga and birth outcomes. Significant improvements were associated with the PE + Yoga group compared to the PE group. Neonates in the PE + Yoga group had significantly higher birth weight (2.59 ± 0.21 kg vs. 2.21 ± 0.26 kg, P < 0.001), greater birth length (49.41 ± 1.88 cm vs. 43.83 ± 2.20 cm, P < 0.001), and larger head and chest circumferences (P < 0.001 for both). The PE + Yoga group also showed a significantly lower incidence of low 5-minute Apgar scores (7.41% vs. 26.83%, P = 0.007), preterm birth (24.07% vs. 48.78%, P = 0.004), and low birth weight (27.78% vs. 59.76%, P < 0.001). Logistic regression analysis further indicated that yoga was associated with a significantly lower risk of low 5-minute Apgar scores (OR = 0.218, P = 0.008), preterm birth (OR = 0.333, P = 0.005), and low birth weight (OR = 0.259, P < 0.001). Additionally, maternal hospitalization duration was significantly shorter in the PE + Yoga group (8.44 ± 2.85 days vs. 10.17 ± 2.84 days, P = 0.001). Prenatal yoga intervention was associated with significant improvements in neonatal and maternal outcomes in pregnancies complicated by preeclampsia. The findings suggest that yoga is linked to better fetal growth, a lower risk of preterm birth, and a decrease in maternal hospitalization duration, highlighting its potential role as an adjunct therapy in managing preeclampsia.