Maternal depression is an independent predictor of negative maternal and fetal outcomes. Therefore, prompt and effective treatment of maternal depression during pregnancy is crucial.

A meta-analysis, published in Complementary Therapies in Clinical Practice, was conducted to ascertain the efficacy of yoga-based interventions for maternal depression during pregnancy. Overall, 8 clinical studies were reviewed, and 6 studies with 405 pregnant women were included in the final meta-analysis. On applying per-protocol analysis and a random-effects model, the pooled standardized mean difference (SMD) from baseline depressive score was found to be -0.452 (95% CI: −0.816 to −0.880), pointing towards a statistically significant beneficial effect of yoga-based interventions on mood.

The meta-analysis thus revealed that yoga-based interventions are a potential non-pharmacological option for the management of maternal depression during pregnancy. The safety, accessibility and low cost of yoga make it an attractive option.

However, most trials examined included participants with mild depression and had relatively small sample sizes. Larger randomized, controlled trials should therefore be encouraged.