The role of yoga: breathing, meditation and optimal fetal positioning

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Updated: Apr 28, 2026

Resting-State Connectivity and Neuroimaging of Prefrontal Cortex Activity During a Block-Design Yoga Asana Practice Using fNIRS
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Published on: June 24, 2025

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Sarah Oakley, Elinor Evans

    The Practising Midwife
    |May 31, 2014
    PubMed

    Yoga is considered a good form of exercise in pregnancy (NHS Choices recommend exercise such as yoga, amongst others) to help women keep fit during their pregnancy and prepare for the birth. But apart from the physical postures, yoga has plenty to offer. The breathing and meditation techniques keep pregnant mothers healthy and relaxed, and provide the mental focus to aid childbirth. In this article we look at yogic breathing and meditation techniques for midwives to recommend to expectant mothers, and some postures that specifically help to encourage an optimal fetal position.

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