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Qigong (Baduanjin) intervention reduces caesarean section rate in pregnant women

This multicenter RCT protocol aims to evaluate whether adding a qigong (Baduanjin) intervention to standard prenatal care and lifestyle education reduces the caesarean section rate compared to standard care alone. The study plans to enroll 1062 pregnant women aged 18-45 with singleton pregnancies at 11-13+6 weeks gestation across 11 institutions in China. The primary outcome is caesarean section rate, with secondary outcomes including obstetric complications, neonatal indicators, gestational weight gain, and mental health/sleep outcomes.

1 min read•Updated Jul 7, 2026•1 RCTs•View structured evidence →
Evidence Score42/100
Human RCT★★☆☆☆
Meta-analysis☆☆☆☆☆
Mechanism★★★★★
Safety★★★★☆
Confidencelow

This article is automatically generated from the structured evidence profile behind the claim above. Scores reflect the quality and quantity of available research, not clinical advice.

Qigong (Baduanjin) intervention reduces caesarean section rate in pregnant women The current body of evidence comprises 1 study, including 1 randomized controlled trial. EvidenceHub rates the overall confidence at 42/100 (low).

The Claim

Qigong (Baduanjin) intervention reduces caesarean section rate in pregnant women

This conclusion is most relevant to: Pregnant women aged 18-45 years with singleton pregnancies at 11-13+6 weeks of gestation.

What the Research Shows

The conclusion draws on 1 linked study. Highlights from the cited literature:

  • ▸The adjunctive effect of a qigong (Baduanjin) intervention program on maternal and child health outcomes: a multicenter randomized controlled trial protocol. (BMC pregnancy and childbirth, 2026) —

How It Works

The proposed biological pathway:

  • ▸Qigong (Baduanjin) practice promotes relaxation and stress reduction
  • ▸Improved stress management may reduce pregnancy complications
  • ▸Enhanced physical and mental well-being may lower likelihood of caesarean section
  • ▸Result: Reduced caesarean section rate and improved maternal-child outcomes

Who Might Benefit

Evidence fit by population:

  • ▸Pregnant women aged 18-45 years with singleton pregnancies at 11-13+6 weeks of gestation

Limitations & Caveats

Important context when interpreting this evidence:

  • ▸This is a protocol paper; no results are reported yet
  • ▸The study is limited to Chinese institutions, which may affect generalizability to other populations

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the primary outcome of this study?▼

The primary outcome is the caesarean section rate.

How many participants will be enrolled?▼

A total of 1062 participants will be enrolled across 11 institutions in China.

What type of qigong is used in the intervention?▼

The intervention uses a modified seated Baduanjin exercise program adapted for pregnancy.

What sleep-related outcome is measured?▼

Sleep quality is assessed using the Brief Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (B-PSQI).

References

  1. 1.Wang F, Zeng W, Zhou T, Yun F, Li X, Li Y, Li H, Huang Y, Yu D, Guo S, Liu X, Hu C, Zhou J, Fan L, Ma L, Yu G, Xie D, Xu X, Qu F. “The adjunctive effect of a qigong (Baduanjin) intervention program on maternal and child health outcomes: a multicenter randomized controlled trial protocol..” BMC pregnancy and childbirth, 2026. PMID: 41629834 DOI: 10.1186/s12884-026-08714-0
Disclaimer: This article is auto-generated from structured research data for educational purposes only and is not medical advice. Evidence scores reflect the quality and quantity of available research, not clinical recommendations. Always consult a healthcare professional before starting any supplement or intervention.