Did you know that doctor-approved fitness during pregnancy is good for you and your baby? Symptoms like constipation, back pain, swelling, bloating, and fatigue can all be alleviated with the proper fitness training. Remember, getting the doctor's approval is essential for the safety of you and your growing baby.
Remaining active can also help expecting mothers mentally as well! It can boost energy levels, improve the general mood, and helps them get some much-needed sleep. Prenatal yoga might be the ideal active fitness for pregnant women. Below you’ll find everything you should know!
What Is Prenatal Yoga?
Yoga is a slow-paced form of exercise that focuses on breath, poses or postures, and meditation. It helps to connect the mind and body, unifying them as one. Prenatal yoga is an extension of yoga that focuses on positions specifically designed for a pregnant momma’s body throughout each term of pregnancy.
How Is Prenatal Yoga Different?
The positions or poses practiced in regular yoga can be too straining or stressful for your pelvic area and joints when you’re pregnant. As your little baby grows, you’ll have a lot more extra weight pushing down on your pelvis and bladder.
Aside from the modified positions, prenatal yoga puts a strong emphasis on stretches and strengthening moves that can help your body get ready for the big delivery day! The breathing techniques are also going to be a benefit for the bid day.
Can I Practice Prenatal Yoga If I Have Never Done Yoga?
Absolutely! As long as your doctor has given you the approval to practice, that’s all you need. You don’t have to know a thing about yoga before jumping into prenatal yoga.
Remember, it is designed to be gentle for expecting mothers! It’s all about getting you mentally, physically, and emotionally ready for the birthing process; keep in mind to talk with your doctor first!
5 Benefits of Prenatal Yoga
Prenatal yoga is a low-impact form of fitness. It’s perfect for expecting moms to start out with, even if you don’t have any prior experience with yoga or working out. Let’s take a look at the benefits.
- Lowers Blood Pressure: Yoga and prenatal yoga naturally lowers blood pressure. It has been found that yoga lowers blood pressure better than something like taking a walk, which is also great for expecting mothers.
- Cuts The Risk of Preterm Labor Complications: Elevated stress levels can increase the risk of miscarriage and premature birth rates. Prenatal yoga eases stress levels and brings about a calm, relaxed feeling which is how it can help cut back on any potential risks of issues at birth.
- Stabilizes Your Overall Mood: This study shows us that practicing prenatal yoga blended with meditation, breathing exercises, and relaxation techniques drastically decreases levels of depression in expecting mothers.
- Healthy Weight Management: Any physical activity, including yoga, helps keep you active. Remaining active is the best way to manage your weight during pregnancy or at any time in general. Yoga may seem simple to some people, but the fact that you’re practicing any form of activity is a great weight management tool.
- Improves The Delivery Experience: Prenatal yoga revolves around preparing a mom-to-be for the entire birthing process. From the positions to the breathing techniques! It gets your body and mind ready for everything that is about to come. Many women who practice prenatal yoga claim that they have great success with birth, and it’s even easier!
If you experience any of the symptoms listed below, immediately stop practice and call your doctor:
- Any fluids leaking from the vaginal area
- Dizziness, shortness of breath, or feeling light-headed
- Swelling or pain in your calves
- If your baby is usually active and you feel your baby moving less
- If you feel like the baby is pushing down, or if there is pressure in your pelvis
- If you have cramps in your belly or backaches
Practicing prenatal yoga with your doctor’s approval can help your pregnancy and delivery be much more comfortable. Your mind, body, and baby will thank you for the preparedness! Once your baby is born, there’s always postpartum yoga to help you through the healing stage!
