Routine ultrasound during the middle of the second trimester is used to assess normal anatomical development of the fetus. A significant factor in normal development is the presence of two umbilical arteries and one umbilical vein. Doppler ultrasound is used to determine flow of blood through these vessels and to make an assumption about placental blood flow and oxygen delivery to the unborn baby.
Abnormalities of the umbilical vessels can be associated with chromosomal or genetic abnormalities as well as place mother and baby at increased risk for premature delivery, pregnancy induced hypertension, pre-eclampsia and intra-uterine growth retardation.
A recent study published in the Journal of the Indian Medical Association investigated the effects of yoga on birth outcome in women who had abnormal findings on Doppler ultrasound of the umbilical vessels.
The study enrolled 121 women with abnormal ultrasound studies at 18-20 weeks gestation. The women were divided into two groups; the yoga group did one hour per day of yoga while the control group walked 30 minutes twice a day. The women followed the exercise routine until delivery.
Yoga proved a beneficial therapy to improve outcome in women with abnormal Doppler studies of the umbilical vessels. Women in the yoga group had a significant increase in the size of the baby at delivery. They also had a lower rate of complications including pregnancy induced hypertension, intra-uterine growth retardation, and preterm delivery.
A simple routine such as yoga for 1 hour per day can significantly reduce morbidity and mortality in this sample of women with an abnormal ultrasound compared to walking. The authors believe that yoga should be included in any treatment plan for women at risk of complications due to abnormal Doppler studies on ultrasound as well as part of an exercise positive recommendation for all pregnant women.
