A meta-analysis of the effectiveness of yoga-based interventions for maternal depression during pregnancy

Prompt and effective treatment of maternal depression during pregnancy is important as it is an independent predictor of negative maternal and fetal outcomes. Yoga is an increasingly popular non-pharmacological modality. This study thus aimed to undertake a meta-analysis of the efficacy of yoga-based interventions for maternal depression during pregnancy. A total of 8 clinical studies were systematically reviewed, and 6 studies with a total of 405 pregnant mothers were included in the final meta-analysis. Applying per-protocol analysis and a random effects model, the pooled standardized mean difference (SMD) from baseline depressive score was - 0.452 (95% CI: - 0.816 to - 0.880, P = 0.015), supporting a statistically significant beneficial effect of yoga-based interventions on mood. Overall, yoga-based interventions are a promising non-pharmacological option, however, most trials examined were preliminary, recruited only participants with mild depression, did not blind study participants and had relatively small sample sizes. Larger randomized, controlled trials should be encouraged.