PRENATAL YOGA
The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists say that
prenatal yoga is one of the safest forms of exercise during pregnancy.
During pregnancy, your body goes through many changes. A way to maintain a healthy mind and body is prenatal yoga because it focuses on poses specifically for pregnant women, in order to increase strength and flexibility while keeping you and your baby safe. It also helps pregnant women to develop proper breathing and relaxation techniques for easier and more comfortable labor.
Prenatal yoga can:
What is prenatal yoga?
Yoga is a form of exercise and mediation where breath and specific body positions are used to help connect the mind and body. Prenatal yoga focuses on positions that are specifically designed for pregnant women's bodies.
What happens during a typical prenatal yoga class?
In a prenatal yoga class, you’ll be encouraged to use accessories (bolsters, blocks, wedges or folded blankets) to achieve the proper alignment. A prenatal yoga class involves:
How is prenatal yoga different from regular yoga?
Common positions in regular yoga - such as those where your feet are spread far apart - may be too stressful for your joints and pelvic area when you're expecting. As your baby grows, there's a lot more weight pushing down on your bladder and pelvis. Pregnancy hormones also loosen your ligaments making your joints a source of discomfort. In addition, to modifying positions for pregnancy, prenatal yoga also emphasizes breathing, stretches, and strengthening moves that help your body prepare for labor and heal after delivery.
Can prenatal yoga be the first time I ever do yoga?
Yes! As long as your doctor has given approval to stay physically active during pregnancy, yoga is an ideal low-impact activity for all expectant moms.
Prenatal yoga can:
- Help you reconnect with your changing body
- Improve sleep
- Reduce stress and anxiety cutting your risk of preterm labor and other complications
- Increase strength, flexibility, and endurance needed for childbirth
- Decrease lower back pain, nausea, headaches, and shortness of breath
- Decrease carpal tunnel syndrome
- Lower blood pressure
- Stabilize moods
- Manage weight
- Improve the delivery experience
What is prenatal yoga?
Yoga is a form of exercise and mediation where breath and specific body positions are used to help connect the mind and body. Prenatal yoga focuses on positions that are specifically designed for pregnant women's bodies.
What happens during a typical prenatal yoga class?
In a prenatal yoga class, you’ll be encouraged to use accessories (bolsters, blocks, wedges or folded blankets) to achieve the proper alignment. A prenatal yoga class involves:
- Breathing. Prenatal yoga breathing techniques help reduce or manage shortness of breath during pregnancy and work through contractions during labor.
- Gentle stretching. Your will be lead through a few stretches to lengthen and relax your muscles. This should feel good!
- Postures. This will incorporate pelvic floor and abdominal toning movements, then hip and chest opening poses, all the while emphasizing deep, diaphragmatic breathing.
- Cool down and relaxation. At the end of each prenatal yoga class, you'll relax your muscles and restore your resting heart rate and breathing rhythm. You might be encouraged to listen to your own breathing, pay close attention to sensations, thoughts and emotions, or repeat a mantra or word to bring about a state of self-awareness and inner calm.
How is prenatal yoga different from regular yoga?
Common positions in regular yoga - such as those where your feet are spread far apart - may be too stressful for your joints and pelvic area when you're expecting. As your baby grows, there's a lot more weight pushing down on your bladder and pelvis. Pregnancy hormones also loosen your ligaments making your joints a source of discomfort. In addition, to modifying positions for pregnancy, prenatal yoga also emphasizes breathing, stretches, and strengthening moves that help your body prepare for labor and heal after delivery.
Can prenatal yoga be the first time I ever do yoga?
Yes! As long as your doctor has given approval to stay physically active during pregnancy, yoga is an ideal low-impact activity for all expectant moms.