Prenatal exercise research

► Heart rate and blood pressure have been lower following yoga, contributing to lower incidences of pregnancy-induced hypertension, intrauterine growth retardation and prematurity. ► Potential underlying mechanisms may involve the stimulation of pressure receptors during yoga. ► Stimulating pressure receptors increases vagal activity which decreases cortisol, increases serotonin and decreases substance P, leading to decreased pain. ► Decreased cortisol is important since cortisol negatively affects immune function and is predictor of prematurity.