Antenatal yoga may be a multifaceted approach to exercise that encourages stretching, mental centring, and focused breathing. Research suggests that prenatal yoga is safe and may have many benefits for pregnant women and their babies.
Prenatal yoga can:
∙ Improve sleep
∙ Reduce stress and anxiety
∙ Increase the energy, flexibility, and endurance of muscles needed for childbirth ∙ Decrease lower back pain, nausea, headaches, and shortness of breath
Prenatal yoga also can help you meet and bond with other pregnant women and prepare for the strain of being a new parent.
What happens during a typical prenatal yoga class?
A typical prenatal yoga class might involve:
∙ Breathing. you will be encouraged to focus on inhaling and out slowly and deeply through the nose. Prenatal yoga breathing techniques might assist you to reduce or manage shortness of breath during pregnancy and run through contractions during labour.
∙ Gentle stretching. You will be encouraged to carefully move different areas of your body, like your neck and arms, through their full range of motion.
∙ Postures. While standing, sitting, or lying on the ground, you’ll gently move your body into different positions aimed toward developing your strength, flexibility, and balance. Props — like blankets, cushions, and belts — could be wont to provide support and luxury.
∙ Calm down and relaxation. At the end of every prenatal yoga class, you’ll relax your muscles and restore your resting pulse rate and breathing rhythm. you would possibly be encouraged to concentrate on your own breathing, pay close attention to sensations, thoughts, and emotions, or repeat a mantra or word to bring on a state of self-awareness and inner calm.
Are there special safety guidelines for prenatal yoga?
To protect you and your baby’s health during prenatal yoga, follow basic safety guidelines. For example:
Talk to your health care provider. Before you start a prenatal yoga program, make sure you’ve got your health care provider’s OK. You would possibly not be able to do prenatal yoga if you’re at increased risk of preterm labour or have certain medical conditions, like cardiovascular disease or back problems.
Set realistic goals. for most pregnant women, a minimum of half-hour of moderate physical activity is suggested on a minimum of five, if not all, days of the week. However, even shorter or less frequent workouts can still assist you to stay in shape and prepare for labour.
Pace yourself. If you cannot speak normally while you’re doing prenatal yoga, you’re probably pushing yourself too hard.
Stay cool and hydrated. Practice antenatal yoga in a well-ventilated room to avoid overheating. Drink lots of fluids to stay yourself hydrated.
Avoid certain postures. When doing poses, bend from your hips — not your back — to take care of normal spine curvature. Avoid lying on your stomach or back, doing deep forward or backwards bends, or doing twisting poses that put pressure on your abdomen. you’ll modify twisting poses so you only move your upper back, shoulders, and skeletal structure.
When your pregnancy progresses, use props during postures to accommodate changes in your centre of gravity. If you wonder whether a posture is safe, ask your instructor for guidance.
Don’t overdo it. concentrate on your body and the way you are feeling. Start very slow and avoid positions that are beyond your level of experience or comfort. Stretch only as far as you’d have before pregnancy.
If you experience any pain or other red flags — like vaginal bleeding, decreased foetal movement, or contractions — during prenatal yoga, stop and get in touch with your health care provider.
How do I select a prenatal yoga class?
Look for a program taught by a teacher who has training in prenatal yoga. Consider observing a class before time to make sure you’re comfortable with the activities involved, the instructor’s style, the class size, and therefore the environment