Should Pregnant Women Do Yoga Gynaecologist Shares 5 Benefits And Safe Asanas To Try This International Yoga Day

The International Day of Yoga is observed every year on June 21, and the theme for 2026 is ‘Yoga for Healthy Ageing,’ reminding us that yoga is suitable for people of all ages. It helps keep the body agile, active, and flexible. While yoga is discussed for overall health and ageing, it also has an important role in pregnancy.

Dr Sneha Deshpande, senior consultant, obstetrics and gynaecology at Momstory, Pune, with over 16 years of experience, said that yoga is safe during pregnancy, reiterating the value of movement.

“For expecting mothers, it is very important to keep themselves physically and psychologically fit,” she added.

This means pregnancy care is also about maintaining a regular physical fitness routine. Expectant mothers need safe, gentle, and doctor-approved ways to stay safe. This is where yoga can help. More specifically, there is a practice called prenatal yoga, which involves simple postures, breathing exercises, and relaxation techniques designed for pregnancy.

“Yes, prenatal yoga is safe. Yoga in pregnancy is one such exercise that has been proven extremely beneficial not only for the mother but also for the unborn baby," the gynaecologist said.

Here are some reasons Dr Deshpande outlined in an extensive guide on how prenatal yoga benefits expecting women by targeting specific pregnancy-related concerns and suggested which asanas one can do to get that relief:

While yoga's importance can be traced back to ancient India, its value is widely appreciated in the contemporary world too. As its global popularity grew, the United Nations declared June 21 as the International Day of Yoga on December 11, 2014. The day aims to educate people about the physical and mental health benefits of practising yoga.

Meanwhile, this guide can serve as an informative starting point. However, pregnant women should consult their gynaecologist first and practise yoga only under the guidance of prenatal yoga specialists.

Note to readers: This article is for informational purposes only and not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your doctor with any questions about a medical condition