Why Yoga is ideal for pregnant women
Yoga is an excellent exercise choice for pregnant women. As a holistic exercise, yoga works on the body and mind; two areas that will have a thorough workout during childbirth and beyond.
Many midwives recommend practising yoga during pregnancy, and you´ll find a wide choice of pregnancy yoga classes, books and DVDs on offer worldwide. So why is yoga so good for pregnant women?
Pregnancy is a period of huge change for women, both physically and mentally.
While pregnancy is an exciting time, for many women the experience can be marred by physical aches and pains. Back pain is common complaint during pregnancy, and many women suffer with swollen ankles and legs. General discomfort can lead to difficulty sleeping, leaving you feeling tired and irritable.
Yoga can help alleviate many of these complaints. Specific poses or asana can help strengthen the lower back, while stretching helps to relieve aching muscles. Yoga boosts the circulation and can help alleviate fluid retention, which in turn relieves swollen ankles and legs. Yoga can also be a great way to boost energy levels, breathing new energy into the body and revitalising the mind.
While women undoubtedly look forward to the arrival of a new baby, impending motherhood can also give rise to worries and stress. Some women worry about how they will cope with labour and birth, as well as the impact a new arrival will have on existing relationships, their career and bank balance. While many pregnant women love their new body shape, others find it difficult to adjust to carrying more weight.
Meditation and breathing exercises are an important part of any yoga practise, making yoga a great way for pregnant women to relax and de-stress. By encouraging you to slow down and be more aware of your body, yoga can help you to embrace changes happening within your body and connect with the new life growing inside. Practising a few specific asanas before bedtime is also an excellent way to wind-down and prepare for a good night’s sleep; something that will be in short supply once the baby arrives!
As well as having great health benefits when practised during pregnancy, many midwives recommend yoga as a way of preparing women for childbirth. The increased flexibility and strength which come as a result of practising yoga can really help during labour. The breathing exercises learnt during yoga can also be invaluable; helping women to cope with the sensations experienced during contractions and relax for an easier birth.
While yoga is a great form of exercise for pregnant women, it’s advisable to take a few precautions before you begin. Try to find a specialist pregnancy yoga class to learn with an instructor before doing anything at home, and check with your doctor before you start if you have any doubts. As with any exercise undertaken during pregnancy, take it easy to begin with and stop immediately if you experience any pain.
