pregnancy yoga | Yoga for Pregnant Women

Benefits of Pregnancy Yoga

Posted by Maya in Pregnancy Yoga on July 31, 2010

Pregnancy Yoga is sought by many pregnant women as an option for ensuring a safe and comfortable delivery and the popularity of this concept can be adjudged by the fact that nowadays there are many programs which specifically advertise as teaching yoga for pregnant women. There was a time in the past when pregnancy and exercise were considered as being ideal partners which went hand in hand for a hassle free delivery but this was soon replaced by the concept of yoga and pregnancy during the later years when people started having more faith in the healing power of yoga.

The superiority of yoga as compared to exercise during pregnancy was also established due to the fact that there were times when the performance of strenuous exercise caused severe complications during pregnancy while women who practiced yoga always had a more peaceful tenure. But a noteworthy point which must be kept in mind in this regard is that yoga for pregnant women is a specialized stream which would prove to be beneficial only when learned and performed under the able guidance of an expert. Since pregnancy entails the gradual swelling of abdomen as it advances, it is only an expert of this branch who would be aware of the modified poses constituting yoga for pregnant women in which the growing abdomen is well accommodated.

The mantra of yoga and pregnancy is a gentle way in which the body can be kept active as well as supple without bearing too much strain which might have a disastrous consequence on one’s pregnancy. Apart from enabling the practitioner to stretch gently and indulge in self exploration, yoga for pregnant women has the following benefits:

Yogic breathing and pranayam helps to overcome nausea as well as morning and evening sickness to a considerable extent which in turn prevents frequent mood swings from taking place.
Having performed yoga throughout the three trimesters under the guidance of an expert, the woman can feel the benefit in form of muscular relaxation in the cervix and birth canal thus causing the pelvis to dilate and making the process of labor easier.
Yoga for pregnant women greatly enhances the level of energy in women which in turn enables them to remain calm and focus on the daily activities.
Yoga during the third trimester plays an instrumental role in relieving fluid retention and reducing the occurrence of cramps thus making this crucial phase much more comfortable than it otherwise would have been.

Women not only accrue benefits from pregnancy yoga but after delivery as well as practicing yoga during the post natal phase helps to restore the original shape of the body and reduces breast discomfort as well.

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The Vital Tools of Yoga for Pregnant Woman

Posted by Maya in Exercises during pregnancy, Pregnancy and exercise, Yoga for pregnant, Yoga for pregnant women on August 22, 2009

Pregnancy is a natural part of procreation. However, no one promises that it will be an easy ride. Most women experience a number of discomforts and difficulties, and some go through quite a few dramatic changes. Some of the distresses pregnant women might face are things like backache, constipation, hemorrhoids, fatigue, headaches, heartburn, mood swings, muscle cramps, nausea and vomiting, nosebleeds, varicose veins, swelling of the feet, legs, face and hands, lower abdominal and pelvic discomfort, shortness of breath, and stretch marks. There are more, but these give you an idea just how dramatic a chance pregnancy can be for women.
The good news is, there are a number of things expectant mothers can do to help relieve or even alleviate these discomforts, and actually improve their chances of having a smooth, relatively easy pregnancy, delivery, and postpartum recovery. Yoga is one of the answers.
Pregnancy and exercise are not mutually exclusive. In fact, proper exercises during pregnancy are a very important part of any healthy routine. Coupled with a mild aerobic program, such as walking, yoga is an excellent choice. Not only does it help to keep the expectant mother flexible and fit, it can also provide very positive ways of dealing with stress and anxiety.
Yoga actually has five vital tools for pregnant women. The first of these tools are the yoga exercises themselves. These poses can work on the reproductive organs and pelvis, aiding in a smooth pregnancy and relatively gentle birth. They also ensure optimal blood supply and nutrients for your developing baby. The second vital tool of yoga is Pranayama, or breathing. Yoga offers powerful techniques for breathing which ensure an abundant supply of oxygen for both the expectant mother, and her developing child. These breathing techniques also help relieve stress.
The third vial tool is Bandhas and Mudras. The gestures provide psychophysical stimulation, which has a powerful effect on the reproductive organs. The fourth vital tool provided by yoga is Meditation. This therapeutic tool brings about a remarkable awareness of self, and of your unborn child. It also helps moms-to-be deal with the inevitable stress and anxieties of pregnancy. The fifth and final tool of yoga is Deep Relaxation. Yoga Nidra, or sleep, is very helpful during pregnancy. It provides both physical and mental relaxation, and helps to prepare you for childbirth.
Of course, as with any exercise program, it is important to play it smart.

Start by checking with your physician. Each mother-to-be is unique, and only your doctor knows for sure if a workout program like yoga is right for your situation. When you get the ‘go ahead’, seek out yoga classes geared for expectant mothers, and actually, this type of class has become quite popular.

Some yoga poses do not work well for pregnant women. However, within a class setting, you will have a competent and qualified instructor to guide you through your workout. Yoga for pregnant women is not only safe, but it is very beneficial, as well.