Westwood, Anjali Raj (2020) The effect of yoga on wellbeing of pregnant women post infertility treatments. PhD thesis, University of Warwick.

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Abstract

Research Aim: To conduct a study evaluating the feasibility of undertaking an RCT on the effects of Yoga on the wellbeing of pregnant women post infertility treatments. Methods: A mixed methods study starting with a systematic review to identify RCTs of Yoga in pregnancy, examine the successful trial designs, and evaluate existing evidence. A waitlist-control feasibility RCT of Yoga in pregnancy post treatment for infertility was conducted in Fernandez Hospital, India, followed by interviews of all involved in the study. Finally, a focus group with NHS obstetricians. Results: a) Systematic Review: 15 trials were reviewed, identifying no evidence of harm from Yoga and potential benefits on a range of mental and physical health outcomes. b) Feasibility Study: 61 patients contacted, nine gave consent, three attended Yoga sessions. Attendees showed improved wellbeing levels. Reasons for dropout were mental health stigma and relocation. c) Interviews: eight doctors, two Yoga instructors, three participants and one family member consented. There was little knowledge on the effects of stress on maternal and infant health outcomes. Participants and family believed that exercise should be avoided in pregnancy, and reported problems discussing mental health due to stigma. Patients were afraid of participating in research. d) Focus Group: UK doctors are aware of the effects of stress on maternal and infant health. There were mixed opinions on Yoga. There is interest in further research on the physiological effects of Yoga on patients. RCTs are the preferred research design. Conclusion: There is no evidence that Yoga is harmful in pregnancy and some evidence suggesting positive effects on mental and physical health. A full RCT with the post infertility population in India is unlikely to be successful unless the problems identified could be addressed. A three step process ending with a pilot preference trial has been suggested.

Item Type:	Thesis (PhD)
Subjects:	H Social Sciences > HQ The family. Marriage. Woman R Medicine > RG Gynecology and obstetrics R Medicine > RM Therapeutics. Pharmacology
Library of Congress Subject Headings (LCSH):	Pregnant women -- Psychological aspects, Infertility, Female -- Psychological aspects, Yoga -- Therapeutic use, Physical fitness for pregnant women, Infertility -- Treatment
Official Date:	November 2020
Dates:	Date Event November 2020 UNSPECIFIED
Institution:	University of Warwick
Theses Department:	Warwick Medical School
Thesis Type:	PhD
Publication Status:	Unpublished
Supervisor(s)/Advisor:	Stewart-Brown, Sarah L ; Quenby, Siobhan
Format of File:	pdf
Extent:	xiv, 281 leaves : illustrations
Language:	eng

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