Yoga and omega-3 match talk therapy in pregnancy depression review
A King’s College London-led review found several non-drug treatments reduced antenatal depression symptoms at levels similar to talking therapies.
By Tom Brennan · Health & Medicine Correspondent
3 min read
Yoga, omega-3 supplements and several other non-drug options may reduce depression symptoms in pregnancy about as well as talking therapies, according to a King’s College London-led review. The findings matter because antenatal depression is common worldwide and many pregnant people do not receive timely care.
The review, published in Archives of Women’s Mental Health, analyzed 115 clinical trials involving more than 12,000 participants in 30 countries, according to King’s College London. Researchers said yoga, massage, omega-3 supplementation and bright light therapy were broadly comparable with psychological approaches such as cognitive behavioral therapy for reducing symptoms.
King’s College London said the work was conducted through HappyMums, a European consortium led by the University of Milan that focuses on mental health support during pregnancy and after birth. The university described the study as the first to combine trial evidence on treatments for depression in pregnancy across intervention types and delivery formats under a shared framework.
Options beyond standard therapy
Professor Carmine Pariante, professor of biological psychiatry, said the analysis should change how clinicians think about support during pregnancy. He said the evidence does not point to one best intervention, and that women should have access to a wider set of options that clinicians are prepared to discuss.
The researchers said nonpsychological approaches could be useful for women who are waiting for mental health services or who have trouble reaching them. They did not present yoga or supplements as replacements for all other care, but said these options could help address long waits without excluding other treatments.
The review also found that digital and remote support, including apps and telephone-based interventions, performed about as well as face-to-face treatment, according to the researchers. That finding may affect care for pregnant people who cannot travel easily or who face delays in obtaining in-person appointments.
Cautions on the evidence
The authors warned that the trials differed in design, size and outcome measures. Because of that variation, they said the results should be interpreted carefully, even though the overall pattern supports a broader menu of care options.
The review did not find randomized controlled trials testing pharmaceutical treatment for antenatal depression, according to the researchers. They said that gap means evidence for drug treatment in pregnancy depends on indirect findings rather than trials conducted specifically among pregnant participants, reflecting long-running caution around medication testing in pregnancy.
The researchers noted that NICE guidelines recommend antidepressants for moderate to severe depression in pregnancy. They also said evidence outside formal pregnancy trials indicates antidepressants can be safe and effective, but called for more trials, particularly for people who cannot access or take part in other forms of support.
Riddhi Laijawala, a trial manager and Ph.D. student, said the review shows that available options are wider than many people realize. She said yoga classes, music therapy and online programs may not sound like clinical care, but the evidence suggests they can help and may be faster or easier to access than a full course of therapy.
Depression in pregnancy affects an estimated 28.5% of pregnant people worldwide, according to the study team. King’s College London said only about one in five of those affected receives appropriate and timely treatment, and the researchers argue that closing that gap should be a priority for health systems.
This story draws on original reporting from Medical Xpress.