Any woman who has experienced pregnancy knows how important it is to keep fit during those nine months. It’s not only to maintain your fitness level and encourage natural birth but also to regain your pre-pregnancy figure. At the same time, there are certain activities that are off limits when you are carrying a child. Contact sports are one category because these can cause bodily harm, to you and your baby. High intensity workouts are not good because they can increase blood pressure or limit the flow of oxygen to the baby. They also can take a toll on your legs and back, which are already tired with the extra weight.
This is why yoga makes so much sense during pregnancy. It is an ancient Indian form of exercise that takes a holistic approach. It aims to develop your mind and body at the same time.
Yoga is not aggressive. There is no way a pregnant woman can get injured during yoga unless she ignores the warning signs of her body and pushes it too far. There are various postures that train your body to reach its highest flexibility. By stretching and relaxing muscles alternatively, you will feel light and supple.
Yoga is not tiring on the body. It’s ideal for women who find themselves panting and puffing when they climb stairs or walk for long distances. Experts say that being short of breath is not a good sign for pregnant women. Taking up yoga gives your body a workout without the strain.
One of the main disciplines of yoga is deep breathing, which requires close concentration. This is a relaxing technique and improves circulation too. The stress of everyday life will slowly leave your body. Remember, the baby in the womb is sensitive to the mother’s moods and thoughts, since the day it develops sensory perception. So a calm and relaxed mother will reflect well on the baby. It’s important to contribute to your child’s development in these early days.
Research conducted over many years show that yoga has a positive effect on pregnancy. It relieves stress and muscle tension, reduces cramps and swelling and keeps the mother’s mind calm. Women who have practiced yoga consistently experience very little discomfort during delivery. This is because; being more flexible, they can try different positions when in labor and their body is more compliant to the stretching that happens when giving birth. It all adds up to less pain.
Postnatal yoga can be started about five weeks after a natural birth. It strengthens abdominal muscles and the pelvic floor. You can bounce back healthy and strong after having your baby and you’ll shed off the pregnancy pounds faster. Higher energy levels will help you to tolerate the sleepless nights and in general, cope better with the chaotic first few weeks after birth.
Where do you start?
If you have never tried your hand at yoga, it’s best to go to an expert or attend a class, rather than going solo. Once you have learned the basic principles of yoga and the postures, you can be confident of continuing on your own. There are many books and videos to help you out too and they will make the experience more fun.
Start slowly and then build from there. If there is any discomfort or pain, stop the session and consult your doctor or midwife. Always remember not to overstretch your body. Pregnancy hormones make your ligaments more lax and soft. Injury is a possibility if you are not careful.
BizyMoms is bringing quality expert information on many topics of high interest to the mom community. Visit BizyMoms' Expert Corner today for help and advice from skilled professionals. BizyMoms is proud to introduce Bonnie Berk as an expert in Pregnancy- Pre and Postnatal Fitness.
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