Yoga for Pregnant Women

Yoga for pregnant women

- it’s fun, safe and will supply every mother to be with a deeper sense of fulfilment. Pregnancy is, after all, not only a physical experience, but intensely mental and emotional, too. Yoga is an exercise beneficial to both mom and the little life growing inside, which makes it an ideal activity for those mommies aiming to provide their children with the best possible environment – on more than one level.

Pregnancy and Exercise

Before we get to the guidelines, there are a couple of don’ts that have to be mentioned before we get to the do’s. And prime among them, is the simple principle that should be adhered to at all times: if it’s uncomfortable for you, then it will probably be uncomfortable for baby, too. Here’s a quick list of things to take note of:

- The first and third trimesters should be approached with care. While the former indicates the stage where the brain and central nervous system of the foetus develops, the latter refers to the period closer to delivery.

- Exercises that increase your core body temperature should be avoided: your child has no way of releasing the increased body heat and could be detrimentally affected by the increase in temperature (especially during the early stages of development).

- Avoid exercises that put prolonged strain on major muscles: blood could be diverted from the foetus to those muscles working extra hard, even though you have a 40% increase in blood volume during pregnancy.

That being said, let’s get to the fun of yoga for pregnant women.
Yoga Guidelines (For Mom & Baby)

As far as exercises during pregnancy goes, yoga is one of the most accommodating and can even be practiced up until a couple of weeks before your child is due. It is recommended that you get an expert opinion on the recommended poses (as each pregnancy is unique, just like the child that grows inside every pregnant mommy), but the following will serve as good guidelines:

1. For the duration of your pregnancy, stay with a beginner’s program, even if you are adept in the art of yoga.
2. Relaxin’s secretion is increased during pregnancy – it helps the muscles relax. And while you may be able to perform some of the positions with increased ease, mom, it is recommended that you take care not to overdo it. This will protect your joints, muscles and ligaments.
3. Establish a daily routine that will allow you to practice. This should include meditation that will prove beneficial when the big day arrives (and will also serve as a way to de-stress during those hormonal changes).
4. Pranayama, or breathing exercises, are mom’s best friend. Take the time to acquaint yourself not only with the different techniques, but also their benefits to ensure that you get the best from yoga for yourself and your baby.

And last but not least…

5. Have fun! Your emotional state during pregnancy is of vital importance for you as well as your baby. This is the time where you blossom, mom, so make sure it counts.