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06 May 2014 08:40
Scientists have proved that yoga is good for pregnant women
Yoga can be extremely beneficial for pregnant women, research suggests.
Scientists from the UK have found that the activity can reduce the risk of mothers-to-be developing anxiety and depression.
The team, which comprised of academics from universities in Newcastle and Manchester, looked at 59 women who were pregnant for the first time and asked them to report on their emotional state for the duration of the study.
Some of the subjects were put into a group which took part in a yoga session every week for a total of eight weeks, while the others just underwent normal pre-natal treatment by visiting a health care provider.
The researchers observed that a single session of yoga reduced self-reported anxiety by 33% and stress hormone levels by 14%, with similar findings at both the first and final session of the eight-week intervention.
It is the first evidence to back up the theory that yoga is good for pregnant women.
Experts and celebrities have long hailed the ancient technique as a way of de-stressing. Actresses including the likes of Gwyneth Paltrow, Drew Barrymore, Jessica Alba and Sienna Miller have all reportedly used it when expecting.
Stress during pregnancy has previously been linked with complications such as premature birth, low birth weight and developmental problems in young children and even teenagers. Anxiety has also been associated with post-natal depression in mothers.
A holiday could be just the thing that pregnant women need to relax and get away from the stresses of daily life.
Spa retreats and beach trips are excellent ways to unwind and let off some steam, watching the world go by without a care in the world.
Pregnancy travel insurance provides mothers-to-be with the peace of mind they need to enjoy a trip abroad.
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