Meanings and perceptions of women regarding the practice of yoga in pregnancy: A qualitative study.

Background And Purpose: Considering that pregnancy triggers profound transformations in the life experience of women, among them the need to adapt to a body in a constant process of physiological, psychic, social and emotional change, it is important to identify to what extent yoga can contribute to this process. For this reason, the present study aimed to comprehend the meanings and perceptions of women regarding the practice of yoga during pregnancy.

Materials And Methods: A qualitative and descriptive study was carried out with nine women at different gestational ages who were practicing yoga in places with alternative and integrative therapies for pregnant women located in São Paulo, Brazil. Data collection was performed through semi-structured interviews and the women's statements were transcribed, analysed and grouped into three thematic categories.

Results: The analysis of the interviews allowed the identification of three categories 'Benefits of practicing yoga', 'Self-knowledge, autonomy and self-care' and 'Empowerment for the moment of the birth'. These findings allowed us to understand how the women perceived the practice of yoga in the pregnancy and considered it fundamental to the recognition that they were competent and skilled to manage and control their bodies during childbirth.

Conclusion: It was concluded that the practice of yoga provided physical and psychosocial benefits for the women of this study, including strengthening of the pelvic floor, pain relief, improvement of breathing, reduction of stress and anxiety, and strengthening of self-confidence, self-esteem and autonomy in the management of the pregnancy and in caring for themselves.