Yoga during Pregnancy

Pregnancy is an experience unlike any other a woman can ever go through. It brings about umpteen physical and mental changes and may be quite a challenge for some mums to be, while others may sail through it without much discomfort. Yoga is a form of exercise that aims to unite the body and mind and helps one accept this union graciously.

It is vital for a pregnant woman to be healthy and fit. Even if you are not at your ideal physical fitness level at the time for conception, yoga can help you increase your strength, flexibility and focus. Yoga during pregnancy is ideal for both beginners as well as those who are accustomed to a yoga routine.

It is important that you consult your doctor and yoga instructor before you begin your yoga classes, even if you have been practicing for years. In case you are suffering from morning sickness and it leaves you exhausted you may want to begin yoga once the condition subsides. If you have a medical condition that requires you to avoid exercise you may benefit from the breathing techniques and meditative states that yoga includes.

Coping with Physical Changes

Pregnancy changes the central gravity of a woman’s body as she carries more weight in front and thus, the back and hips are affected. This often causes back ache. Also the pregnancy hormones soften the joints and add to back and pelvic ache. Yoga helps you accept the changes in your body and help you gain flexibility and strength at the same time. It is crucial for you to strengthen your pelvic muscles and practice yoga ‘asanas’ that are designed specially for pregnant women so as to facilitate a quick and relatively easy delivery.

Yoga also keeps the pregnant body fit and reduces the chances of putting on excess weight. This too helps in the delivery stage. With pregnancy there may also come a host of conditions including sleeplessness, tingling of hands and feet and exhaustion, all which benefit from yoga. Yoga helps you slow down your movements to match the changes in your body.

Coping with Mental Changes

Pregnancy is as much about the physical changes as it is about the mental ones. It isn’t unusual for a mum to be to feel like she is on an emotional roller coaster and have no control on her body and emotions. Mood swings, boredom, prenatal blues are common and yoga can help with them all. Yoga helps unite your mind with your body and puts you in control of your emotions, thoughts and actions. Childbirth may scare you but with yoga you can keep a positive attitude and focus. Yoga can help you manage your labor effectively and sail through a smooth delivery.

The benefits of yoga don’t end at child birth. In fact the importance of yoga increases post delivery. After you have recovered from child birth you can begin basic yoga ‘asanas’ that your instructor can recommend. A commitment to your yoga routine will make you feel better about yourself and help you handle your parenting responsibilities in a better manner.