Pregnancy

A pooled analysis of randomized and non-randomized human studies reported reductions in depression, anxiety, and stress scores during pregnancy, particularly among women without prior symptoms.

A meta-analysis of 12 RCTs (1,486 pregnant women) reported that dance during labor reduced pain at 30/60 min, shortened first/second/total labor duration, and increased natural childbirth and satisfaction. There was no significant difference in 1-minute Apgar >7.

Network meta-analysis of 38 trials (3555 pregnant women) showing spiritual meditation most effective for reducing stress (PSS-14), anxiety (STAI-S), and depression (EPDS); MBSR effective for stress; MBCT second for depression

In pregnant women, strength training programs lasting ≥12 weeks, with 1-2 sessions/week at moderate-to-vigorous intensity, improved HRQoL and associated outcomes.

A pooled analysis whose study designs were not recorded reported reductions in maternal weight gain and birth weight, alongside improvements in depression, body image, quality of life, low back pain, glucose tolerance, balance, and mobility.

In a study of 60 participants, 57 pregnant elite and recreational athletes completed cycling HIIT; there were no cases of prolonged fetal bradycardia and 2 transient cases of prolonged fetal tachycardia. Umbilical and uterine artery PI remained within normal ranges, and all abnormal FHR events normalized within 8 min.

In a 2024 trial of 54 participants, both HIIT and education groups maintained normal blood pressure values, with no cases of hypertension. A 2025 pilot trial of 18 participants reported maintained cardiopulmonary parameters and proteomic adaptations, without adverse effects on pregnancy or fetal health.

A randomized trial in 56 primigravida women selected for ineffective sexual beliefs found improvements in sexual function and sexual beliefs at 2 and 4 weeks; between-group differences were in the same direction.

A 2025 randomized trial studied 102 second-trimester pregnant women, assessing pregnancy-related anxiety, stress and blood pressure changes.

A trial in 86 pregnant women on bed rest found improved venous blood flow, lower D-dimer levels, and reduced muscle atrophy. These findings concern pregnant women on bed rest, rather than pregnancy generally.

A 2019 randomized trial in 59 people found that c-TTM reduced the duration of the first and second stages of labor.

Walking is described as a safe, low-impact aerobic exercise during Pregnancy that helps maintain cardiovascular fitness, manage gestational weight gain, and reduce risk of complications.

The studies did not support a pregnancy benefit: pooled analyses whose designs were not recorded found a mean difference of −94 g in birthweight and a relative risk of 0.96 for low birthweight (95% CI 0.88–1.05), with no increased low-birthweight risk.

A 2017 randomized controlled trial involving 63 healthy participants excluded pregnancy because Bikram Yoga was considered potentially hazardous. The trial therefore does not establish safety during pregnancy.

Sanguinarine has uterine-stimulant and embryotoxic effects in animal models and can cross biological membranes. If absorbed through damaged skin, it poses a theoretical risk of miscarriage or fetal harm.

Safety data for Chaga use during pregnancy are insufficient, and its immunomodulatory effects pose a theoretical risk.

EDTA crosses the placenta and may bind essential minerals in the fetus, posing a risk of developmental toxicity.

Coffee Enema may cause uterine contractions, electrolyte disturbances, or fetal caffeine toxicity, with potential risks including miscarriage or preterm labor.

Cupping on the lower back or abdomen, and potentially strong suction elsewhere, may trigger uterine contractions. Most guidelines recommend avoiding cupping during pregnancy, especially in the first trimester.

The concern is that maternal core temperature above 39°C, especially early in pregnancy, increases the risk of neural tube defects; sauna heat can rapidly raise core temperature to this level.

Applying heat to the abdomen during pregnancy may raise core body temperature, which may harm fetal development.

Prolonged elevation of core temperature >39°C, particularly in the first trimester, is teratogenic and increases the risk of neural tube defects.

Prolonged drops in core temperature during an ice bath may trigger uterine blood-vessel narrowing and reduce placental blood flow, posing a potential fetal risk, especially during first-trimester organ development.

Maternal overheating, especially in the first trimester, is associated with increased risk of neural tube defects and other adverse fetal outcomes.

A changing center of gravity, increased joint laxity, and fall risk make jump rope unsafe during pregnancy, especially after the first trimester.

Excess iodine can cause fetal thyroid dysfunction, including both hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism, because the fetal thyroid is highly sensitive to iodine fluctuations.

High-impact, maximal-intensity exercise like Tabata can increase the risk of falls, abdominal trauma, and excessive cardiovascular stress; moderate-intensity exercise is recommended instead.

TENS over the abdomen or low back during early pregnancy may stimulate uterine contractions; use is restricted to supervised labor pain.

There are no safety data for Turkey Tail during pregnancy; avoid use.

Fainting and low oxygen may compromise fetal oxygenation, and safety during pregnancy has not been established.

A 2025 review lists Pregnancy as a contraindication; this is a review-based precaution rather than a reported finding from a tested outcome.