Yoga for Pregnant Women

Pregnancy hails a new period in every woman’s life, filled with love vested in the unborn child. Many mothers-to-be feel more in touch with their own physical, as well as metaphysical, body during this time, which is why yoga for pregnant women is enjoying increasing popularity. Not only does it allow the practitioner to prepare both physically and mentally for pregnancy, but it supplies moms with wisdom garnered through its age-old principles. Sound like your cup of tea? Well then get ready, mom, because you’re about to find out why pregnancy is enjoyable with yoga.

Pregnancy And Exercise: The Benefits

Is yoga for pregnant women OK? It’s a question asked by many mommies-to-be, with the simple answer: yes. In fact, one might go as far as to say that exercise is almost a must, due to the far-reaching associated benefits. These include:

-    Helps with preparation for labour
-    Increases physical strength, stamina and flexibility
-    Reduces weight gain
-    Lowers the chances of a Caesarean section
-    Diminishes the chances of complications

And, if that still isn’t enough to convince you, then keep in mind that exercise is conducive to the release of endorphins which makes for a happier you.
Yoga For Pregnant Women
Choosing the right exercise during pregnancy is essential. Experts warn against activities that will elevate the body’s core temperature as the unborn child has no way to dissipate the generated body heat. Additionally, intense exercise that will cause the flow of blood to be diverted from the foetus to hardworking muscles should also be avoided. As such, yoga is recommended.

The key to success in this case resides with the fact that yoga for pregnant women actively targets those muscles that will be used most during delivery, whilst passively strengthening muscles that will ensure your comfort during all three trimesters.

It is widely recommended that all mothers-to-be choose a beginner yoga routine (regardless of your skill level) that will be safe and comfortable for you and the little life growing inside you. These should be practised daily and be accompanied by specialized breathing techniques called Pranayama, as well as meditation.
Which Positions / Routines To Choose
As a general rule of thumb of rule, you should stay away from those poses or exercises that make you feel uncomfortable or that tax your body too much: if it’s uncomfortable for you, then it’s most probably uncomfortable for your baby. Positions should therefore be held only until that point when you start feeling the strain.

Additionally, it is encouraged to make a list of all the various positions and their associated benefits to choose those most important to you. While some will help reduce weight gain, alleviate back pain or even strengthen those muscles used during delivery, others focus more on posture and spinal flexibility. It becomes a personal choice – each pregnancy is as unique as the mother and her unborn child.

At all times, it is recommended to consult with your local health care physician during all stages of your pregnancy and exercise routines to ensure that you (both) have the best chances of a successful, happy delivery.

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