Using prenatal yoga to help prevent postpartum depression
Official title: Prenatal Yoga to Prevent Postpartum Depression (PRY-D)
Funded at Henry Ford Health System · NIH-10723544 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is testing a virtual prenatal yoga program to see if it can help prevent postpartum depression in women at higher risk, especially those from diverse backgrounds, by promoting mindfulness and physical activity.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Henry Ford Health System NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Detroit, United States) |
| Project start | July 3, 2023 |
| Project end | July 2, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2023 |
| Award (this year) | $682,990 |
| NIH project number | 1R34MH131573-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-10723544 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are pregnant women with a history of depression or those from racial and ethnic minority backgrounds who are at risk for postpartum depression.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not pregnant or those who do not have a history of depression may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the effectiveness of a virtual prenatal yoga program aimed at preventing postpartum depression (PPD) in women who are at higher risk, particularly those from racial and ethnic minority backgrounds. The program focuses on mindfulness and physical activity, which may be more acceptable and beneficial for these women. The study will first assess the challenges and supports for implementing this intervention among patients, clinicians, and healthcare systems, followed by an open trial to evaluate its effectiveness. By engaging a diverse health care system, the research aims to ensure that the findings are applicable to a broad population.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could provide a new, accessible method for reducing the incidence of postpartum depression among at-risk women.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown that yoga interventions during pregnancy can be effective in reducing symptoms of depression, suggesting a promising avenue for this approach.
Where this research is happening
-
Henry Ford Health System
Detroit, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Santarossa, Sara — Henry Ford Health System
- Study coordinator: Santarossa, Sara
Related research
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How Medicaid Postpartum Coverage and PPD Screening Could Improve Diabetes and Blood Pressure Care After Birth
A large NIH grant is studying how extending Medicaid after birth and mandating postpartum depression screening affect care for women with gestational diabetes and pregnancy-related high blood pressure.
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.