Yoga during Pregnancy - An Overview

Prenatal yoga, yoga for mothers expecting, woman with child and yoga, mothers to be yoga, Yoga while pregnant

Yoga during pregnancy can be Wonderful

Yoga is a great way to enjoy pregnancy, to align your body optimally for healthy carriage and delivery of the baby, to provide breathing and relaxation techniques to use during pregnancy and labor. It will reduce discomfort in your upper and lower back that sometimes accompanies carrying a baby (before and after pregnancy). In particular … any healthy process that helps keep you calm and relaxed are good for you and your baby too. Happy mommies make happy babies.

Modify ... Modify ... Modify

In general, you want to avoid strain, compressing and twisting in the belly or abdomen and most inverted poses (headstands, handstands, shoulder stands) unless you are an advanced practioner. Absolutely no breath retention or breath of fire should be attempted.  Above all ... listen to your body. Your baby will let you know what you need and what poses are uncomfortable (the difference between caution and internal guidance). And please ... don't practice yoga to the point where you're fatigued.

More Modifications for yoga during Pregnancy

The Basic Rule: The more you begin to show, the more challenging balance poses becomes so avoid postures that are uncomfortable or cause doubt. Or use the wall!

Pregnant women are generally told not to lie on their backs after the first trimester in order to prevent Vena Cava Syndrome (a lowering of blood pressure due to the baby pressing on the vena cava artery).  Use common sense and listen to your body. It varies amongst different body types.

Bolsters and cushions can make a world of difference making postures less stressful. During deep relaxation you can bend your knees or lie on your side with cushions under your neck, baby and between your legs. During the second and third trimester, do not lie on your stomach.

All pregnant woman are gifted with relaxin. The purpose of this natural hormone is to facilitate the pelvis and hips to gracefully shift during pregnancy and child birth providing an easier passage way for the baby's arrival. With the gift comes responsibility. Pregnant woman need more support when they are stretching because of the amount of relaxin in their systems (causing ligaments and muscles to have more flexibility).

One Final Tip: During pregnancy ... take water and bathroom breaks liberally. Trust your body-wisdom and have faith of the grace nature gifts us.

Click on any of the list of pregnancy focused Asanas (exercises) found in the left column of this page.