Acute Fetal Response to Prenatal Yoga

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.

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