Pranayama for Hypertension in Pregnancy
Trial Summary
Do I need to stop my current medications for this trial?
The trial does not specify if you need to stop taking your current medications. It mentions that participants can have hypertension with or without using antihypertensive medications, so it seems you may continue your current medications.
What data supports the effectiveness of this treatment for hypertension in pregnancy?
Is pranayama safe for humans?
How does the treatment of Pranayama breathing techniques differ from other treatments for hypertension in pregnancy?
Pranayama breathing techniques, such as Alternate Nostril Breathing and Bhramari Breathing, offer a unique approach by focusing on controlled breathing exercises to manage hypertension (high blood pressure) in pregnancy, unlike other treatments that may involve physical exercises like walking or stretching. These techniques are non-invasive and can be practiced anywhere, providing a natural way to potentially reduce stress and improve blood pressure without medication.89101112
What is the purpose of this trial?
Slow deep breathing actives the vagal nerve and leads to a natural reduction in physiological parameters such as blood pressure, heart rate and digestion. The effects of these techniques have not been assessed in pregnancy. The primary objective is to assess the effects of various yogic deep breathing techniques on blood pressure during pregnancy. The breathing exercises will include Alternate nostril breathing, Bhramari breathing, and Sheetali breathing. A secondary objective will be to assess the effects of these breathing exercises on other physiological parameters including heart rate, heart rate variability, body temperature, cardiac output, vascular resistance and respiratory rate.
Research Team
Shilpa Babbar, MD
Principal Investigator
Children's Mercy Hospital Kansas City
Eligibility Criteria
This trial is for English-speaking pregnant women over 18 years old in their third trimester with high blood pressure, either gestational hypertension or chronic hypertension without severe features. It's not for those needing urgent delivery, with pre-eclampsia concerns, severe lung disease, deviated nasal septum, difficulty breathing through the nose, or very low blood pressure.Inclusion Criteria
Exclusion Criteria
Timeline
Screening
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial
Phase I
Normotensive pregnant women engage in a 15-minute deep breathing technique session with monitoring
Phase II
Hypertensive pregnant women engage in a 15-minute deep breathing technique session with monitoring
Follow-up
Participants are monitored for safety and effectiveness after the intervention
Treatment Details
Interventions
- Alternate Nostril Breathing
- Bhramari Breathing
- Sheetali Breathing
Find a Clinic Near You
Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?
Children's Mercy Hospital Kansas City
Lead Sponsor