Prenatal Yoga For You And Your Baby
The thought of exercising during pregnancy might seem daunting to most but with prenatal yoga, it can actually be quite a pleasant experience. Yoga is an almost ideal exercise for pregnant women because it not only helps to keep your body in shape but it also helps to hone the body for the birthing process. This is because yoga can improve flexibility and teach breathing exercises.
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.
A yoga class is also a great way to meet and interact with other pregnant women. The group of women you attend the class with can grow to become an important support network for you; they are in the same position as you, face the same challenges and are the best position to understand what you are going through. The class can also be a great forum for exchanging pregnancy tips and sharing experiences.
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.
As you progress through your pregnancy, you exercise regime will evolve to meet the needs of your body. It is important to be in tune with your body and not to push yourself too much during this period. The first trimester for instance may not be the most ideal time to being exercising for the first time. This is because your body is just beginning to adapt to a whole flurry of changes. During the first few months a lot of woman also experience morning sickness which leaves them feeling drained.
Once you are out of your first trimester it is all systems go! The second trimester will be a more ideal period to pick up yoga because now your body is more in tune with what is happening to it. During the third trimester because of an ever expanding belly, you might find that yoga poses will be increasingly difficult. During these last few months it is also advisable to avoid poses that press down on the belly. No matter when you are ready to begin, it is important to listen to your body.
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.
Exercising during your pregnancy can be an extremely rewarding experience. Since it is important to stay fit and healthy during this period, doing yoga is a great way to achieve this. Once you have delivered, you can stop prenatal yoga classes and move on to other yoga classes, perhaps even a mum and baby class.
Prenatal yoga is only one of the areas where you can use the methods of this ancient practice to increase your health and that of your baby. Get more information by sending for a prenatal yoga free report