A STUDY TO ASSESS THE EFFECTIVENESS OF SELECTED YOGA ON THE LEVEL OF ANXIETY, PREGNANCY DISCOMFORTS, CLINICAL PARAMETERS, MATERNAL AND NEONATAL OUTCOME AMONG PRIMIGRAVIDA WOMEN

Background: Pregnancy is a wonderful landmark in the life of a woman. It is the origin of human life. Pregnancy is a time of physical and hormonal changes and of emotional and psychological preparation for motherhood. Comforting techniques may enhance the women to settle and provide with an appreciation of personal capabilities. Therefore yoga can be an effective way to emancipate women during labour and to assist in attaining and maintaining their optimal level of functioning. Yoga is the great way to stay fit during pregnancy because yoga posture can easily meet the needs of pregnant women. It educates pregnant women to listen to their body and reduce stress and anxiety, and to calm the mind. Methodology: The research approach selected for this study was Quasi experimental -Pre and Post test design. The intervention for study group consisted of selected yoga which includes Asanas (tadasana, utkatasana, katichakrasana, konasana, ardhatitali, purnatitali), pranayama (nadishodhana, bhramari, sheetkari, sheetali, OM chanting), ashwini mudra, deep relaxation practice from 28th weeks of pregnancy till delivery. Result: There was a significant reduction in level of anxiety and pregnancy discomfort for primigravida women and improved maternal and neonatal outcome. The selected yoga was found to be effective in reduction of anxiety and pregnancy discomfort and improved the maternal and neonatal outcome for study group. Conclusion: Regular practices of selected yoga were effective in minimizing the level of anxiety during pregnancy, pregnancy discomfort and improving maternal and neonatal outcome.