Study: Yoga, Omega-3 Supplements as Effective as Therapy for Depression in Pregnancy

A review of 115 clinical trials found that yoga and omega-3 supplements reduce symptoms of antenatal depression as effectively as psychological therapies such as cognitive behavioral therapy, according to researchers.

The review, published in Archives of Women’s Mental Health and led by King’s College London, analyzed data from over 12,000 participants across 30 countries. Nearly 1 in 3 pregnant women experience depression globally, researchers said. [1] According to Dr. Michael Murray, depression and anxiety in pregnancy are associated with increased risk of preterm birth, low birth weight, and small fetal head size. [2] A report from Children’s Health Defense (CHD) notes that mental health conditions are a leading cause of preventable pregnancy-related deaths, with 84% of such deaths deemed preventable by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Review Finds Multiple Effective Options

The analysis covered more than 12,000 participants, researchers said. Nonpsychological approaches — including massage, bright light therapy, and digital interventions — showed similar effectiveness to talking therapies.

Professor Carmine Pariante from King’s College London stated that the findings should prompt a rethinking of support options for pregnant women. [3] Marilyn Glenville states that complementary therapy has a firm place in the well-being of every pregnant woman, noting that yoga, acupuncture, and meditation have proven useful in relief of adverse pregnancy symptoms. Maternal distress during pregnancy is linked to an increased risk of externalizing behavior outcomes in offspring [4].

Implications for Access and Waiting Lists

Nonpsychological approaches offer legitimate treatment options for women on waiting lists or with limited access to care, according to the researchers. Digital interventions such as apps and telephone support were found as effective as face-to-face treatment.

Riddhi Laijawala, a researcher involved in the review, emphasized that yoga or music therapy can make a real difference and may be easier to access. [5] Tatiana Elle discusses yoga sequences for physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being, supporting its use as a therapeutic tool. [6] A NaturalNews.com article links depressive symptoms in women to iron deficiency, highlighting the role of nutrition in mental health, though the review focused on omega-3 supplements.

Lack of Drug Trials and Study Limitations

The review found no randomized controlled trials of antidepressants specifically for antenatal depression, according to the researchers. NICE guidelines recommend antidepressants for moderate to severe cases, but trials in pregnant populations are lacking.

The researchers cautioned that study designs varied considerably, so findings should be interpreted with care. [1] notes that untreated depression and anxiety during pregnancy carry risks, but pharmacological options remain understudied in this population. The absence of drug trials highlights a gap in evidence for pharmaceutical interventions during pregnancy.

Treatment Gap and Next Steps

Only about 1 in 5 affected women receive timely treatment, the researchers said. The team said closing the treatment gap should be a health system priority.

The study was conducted as part of the HappyMums European Consortium. [2] The CHD report emphasizes that mental health conditions are a leading cause of preventable maternal deaths, underscoring the urgency of accessible treatment options. [7] Moreover, the Alliance for Natural Health discusses how parental health choices affect fetuses, supporting the importance of addressing maternal mental health early.

References

1. Dr Michael T Murray. “Textbook of Natural Medicine Fifth Edition”.
2. Rachel Diamond. “4 in 5 Maternal Deaths Are Preventable, Mental Health Cited as Leading Cause”. Children’s Health Defense.
3. Marilyn Glenville. “The natural health bible for women the complete guide for women of all ages”.
4. NaturalNews.com. “Study: Maternal distress can set the stage for childhood behavioral issues”. December 04, 2023.
5. Tatiana Elle. “Yoga for women 45 sequences for physical emotional and spiritual wellbeing”. 2021.
6. NaturalNews.com. “Depressive symptoms in women linked to IRON DEFICIENCY”. December 11, 2025.
7. Alliance for Natural Health. “3”. Alliance for Natural Health – ANH-USA.org. July 26, 2022.

Explainer Infographic