Pregnant women can enjoy tremendous benefits from the practice of prenatal yoga. It is a great exercise to do during pregnancy as it does not place tremendous strain on the body. Exercises done during yoga also promote flexibility and help get the body ready for delivery.
The best way to practice yoga, particularly if this is your first pregnancy, is to join a prenatal yoga class. These classes cater specifically to pregnant women by modifying the exercises and stretches to accommodate the women’s changing body. Classes are conducted by trainers who are experienced in performing the moves safely and properly so as to minimize the risk of injury.
Another great benefit of joining a class is that you will get to meet other women who are going through pregnancy as well. It is very important to have a good support system during this period of tremendous change and being able to talk to other pregnant women and share problems, fears and feelings, is very helpful. The other expectant mothers in the group can also be a source of pregnancy and child rearing tips.
Most yoga classes that cater to pregnant women will focus on a number of core poses and yoga positions that will help open up the hips and increase flexibility. These include the Pigeon, Warrior II, Triangle and Knee to Ankle poses. Also any pose that gets you down on all fours has the added advantage to helping to get the baby in the ideal position; with its head down and its back pressed against your tummy.
Your yoga practice will change and evolve depending on which trimester you are in. For instance your first trimester might not be the best time to enroll in a class. This is because your body is just getting used to being pregnant, you may also be experiencing morning sickness. During this period it is best to take things easy and listen to your body. Instead of doing the yoga exercises, in your first trimester you might want to focus on deep breathing.
The second trimester is probably the best time to begin exercises because it sees the end of morning sickness and it’s also a time at which your body becomes more used to the changes happening to it. By your third trimester you might find that you are increasingly worn out or fatigued and that your tummy starts to hamper your movement. As such, it is wise to slow down at this point and listen to your body. You should also avoid doing exercise movements that put pressure on your stomach.
Aside from the physical benefits and the role yoga can play in preparing the body for the delivery, yoga can also have tremendous mental benefits. Taking time to focus on yourself helps reduce tension and stress. Yoga also focuses on deep breathing which can help tremendously once you are in the delivery room.
Keeping up a regular exercise schedule can help keep you strong and healthy throughout your pregnancy. In fact it is best to keep at it once you’ve had the baby. Regularly practicing yoga will help you lose the pregnancy weight and mum and baby classes are a terrific way to bond with your newborn. Prenatal yoga classes can be your first step to fitness and health.
Prenatal yoga is only one of the areas where you can use the methods of this ancient practice to improve your health and that of your baby. Get more information by sending for a prenatal yoga free report