Is Tele-yoga Safe for Pregnant Women with First-trimester Uterine Artery Doppler Positive? A Feasibility Study

Positive uterine artery Doppler (UAD+) in the first trimester is an indication of abnormalities in the formation of the placenta, UAD+ is associated with an increased risk of pregnancy complications in the later part of pregnancy. Yoga practice during normal pregnancy has positive effects on pregnancy outcomes. However, no study to date has examined the feasibility and safety of yoga during pregnancy in pregnant women with UAD+.

Twenty-one women aged between 20 and 35 years (mean: 28.8 years) who had a UAD+ (uterine artery pulsatility index >2) at 12 weeks of gestation were recruited from the gynecology department of a tertiary care hospital in southern India. Institutional ethical approval and informed consent was obtained before the intervention. All participants received a 45-min yoga session in virtual mode three times a week for 2 months from a certified yoga therapist. The yoga module consisted of simple yoga postures, breathing techniques, and meditation. Enrollment, attrition, retention, adverse events, difficulties in practicing yoga, and subjective experience were assessed at the completion of 2 months.

A total of 346 pregnant women underwent Doppler ultrasound in the first trimester during the study period, of whom 35 (10.1%) had UAD+. Twenty-one women participated in the study and 18 completed it. Enrollment and retention rates were 7.7% and 78%, respectively. Three women dropped out of the study due to personal reasons. No adverse events were reported during the study. Overall satisfaction with the program was rated 4.3 out of 5 points. Most women experienced relaxation, less stress, and lightness in the body after yoga sessions. The duration of the yoga session was found to be acceptable and sufficient.

This study reports that tele-yoga is a safe and feasible intervention for pregnant women with UAD+ in the first trimester. Further studies with randomized controlled trial are warranted.