Background: Foetal development and the long-term outcomes of the infant are influenced by the intrauterine environment. Strategies to enhance maternal health in pregnancy are needed to improve health outcomes for childbearing women and babies, advancing the well-being of our general population.

Aim: To synthesise the existing literature to determine the impacts of mindfulness and yoga practice upon birth outcomes and maternal health.

Methods: An integrative literature review using Whittemore and Knafl's framework was undertaken in 2016-2017. Two search strategies included database peer-reviewed journal articles and ancestry searching, that is exploring the reference list of relevant research articles. After screening and checking the eligibility, a total of 12 articles were included in this review. Data analysis involved coding, visual displays, thematic analysis and comparison, and conclusion drawing.

Results: The results of this review identified a broad theme that mindfulness and yoga practice is associated with improved maternal mental health antenatally and postnatally. Subthemes have been presented under the central theme including the following: increased mindfulness correlates with decreased fear of childbirth; reduced symptoms of anxiety and depression; and supportive group settings found to be beneficial by pregnant women.

Conclusion: The evidence presented in this review suggests that mindfulness and yoga practice are feasible and cost-effective interventions to enhance maternal mental health, particularly for women experiencing mental health challenges. Mindfulness and yoga practised regularly in the antenatal period can significantly promote the health of pregnant women and potentially their developing babies.

Download full-text PDF

Source
http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/scs.12762DOI Listing

Publication Analysis

Top Keywords

mindfulness yoga
20
yoga practice
12
mental health
12
impacts mindfulness
8
outcomes maternal
8
maternal health
8
enhance maternal
8
maternal mental
8
health
7
mindfulness
6

Similar Publications

Background: While aerobic exercises have demonstrated efficacy in slowing cognitive decline and improving psychological symptoms associated with cognitive impairments, they may not be feasible due to multiple disabilities. Other gentle exercises with mindful approaches, such as "Yoga-like", have been explored but lack clear evidence.

Aim: To assess the efficacy of a "Yoga-like" intervention on cognitive and psychological features in patients with mild to moderate Alzheimer Disease (AD).

View Article and Find Full Text PDF

Objectives: Chronic pain is a leading cause of morbidity in children and adolescents globally but can be managed with a combination of traditional Western medicine and integrative medicine (IM) practices. This combination has improved various critical health outcomes, such as quality-of-life, sleep, pain, anxiety, and healthcare utilization. These IM practices include acupuncture, yoga, biofeedback, massage, mindfulness, or any combination of these modalities.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF

The Impact of Mindfulness-Based Meditation and Yoga on Stress, Body Image, Self-esteem, and Sexual Adjustment in Breast Cancer Patients Undergoing Modified Radical Mastectomy: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

Cancer Nurs

November 2024

Author Affiliations: Gediz Vocational School of Health Services, Department of Medical Services and Techniques, Kutahya Health Sciences University, Kutahya (Dr Pehlivan); and School of Nursing, Department of Surgical Diseases Nursing, Osmangazi University, Eskisehir (Dr Eyi), Turkey.

Background: Surgical interventions are commonly utilized in the treatment of breast cancer; however, they can elicit adverse effects on women's perceptions of femininity, leading to stress, negative body image, diminished self-esteem, and challenges in sexual adjustment.

Objective: This study investigates the efficacy of mindfulness-based meditation and yoga in alleviating stress, enhancing self-esteem, improving body image, and facilitating sexual adjustment among women undergoing modified radical mastectomy.

Methods: Using a prospective (pretest, posttest, and second-month follow-up), 2-arm (1:1), randomized controlled experimental design, the study involved 39 women (intervention group = 19, control group = 20) undergoing modified radical mastectomy.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF

Objectives: Interpersonal relationships are a cornerstone of wellbeing. Mindfulness-based practices have been shown to improve relationship quality and reduce perceived stress. Inner Engineering (IE) is a transformative program that includes meditative and yogic practices associated with improvements in mindfulness and wellbeing.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF

Introduction: School refusal is one of the serious problems with children's mental health, and various studies have examined its prevalence and factors among students. Although many studies suggested that anxiety and depression are deeply associated with school refusal, there is little agreement as to effective interventions. The purpose of this paper is to evaluate the efficacy and safety of mindfulness yoga intervention in children with school refusal.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF

Want AI Summaries of new PubMed Abstracts delivered to your In-box?

Enter search terms and have AI summaries delivered each week - change queries or unsubscribe any time!