Depression and anxiety are the most prevalent psychiatric disorders in the perinatal period. A recent report found that nearly 50% of new mothers in London (where 40% of the population is of ethnic minority background) display symptoms of postnatal depression (PND). A 2022 report by the London School of Economics (LSE) found that treating maternal mental illness could save the National Health Service (NHS) Ā£52 million over 10 years; in 2014, the LSE calculated that two-thirds of that cost is linked to adverse child development. Prenatal depression results in adverse outcomes for the mother and infant, which are also linked to the impact of postnatal depression on the emotional relationship and attachment between the mother and the child. The major risk for developing depression postnatally is a history of depression, either in the lifetime or during pregnancy. Several studies highlight that antenatal depression rates are higher in ethnic minority women. However, the percentage of ethnically diverse women in most studies on perinatal depression is negligible. Additionally, ethnic minority women are less represented in perinatal mental health therapeutic settings. Preliminary evidence indicates prenatal yoga reduces anxiety and depression and improves mother-foetal attachment. Ethnic minorities support mind-body interventions such as yoga and may be more likely to engage in community-based activities than traditional antenatal classes. An 8-week feasibility study will assess the feasibility and acceptability of a yoga-based intervention for ethnic minority women in London.
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To assess the acceptability of the intervention
Timeframe: End of intervention (week 8).