Yoga For Mothers-To-Be

By , in Yoga.

Yoga For Mothers-To-Be 

449916_pregnancy_yoga.jpgFrom the development of spirituality and using meditation to relieve the stress induced by daily life, to a simple weight loss strategy, yoga is practiced for all sorts of reasons. Not only is it an inexpensive form of exercise serving a multitude of purposes, it is also truly effective and has proven its ability to realize all the claims it makes. As a result of this the interest in yoga and the influence of the same has grown over the last twenty years or so.

Teenagers, corporate /working personnel, housewives, the elderly, expecting mothers, everyone can benefit from yoga especially the latter.

Many hold the belief that pregnant women should not exert themselves as both the mother and the child are in a very vulnerable state. Though excess activity or exertion in such condition is not advisable, it’s exceedingly unhealthy to be cooped up in one place without any kind of activity at all.

Prenatal Yoga is specifically designed to cater to the needs of pregnant women and can be used to ensure physical and mental fitness during pregnancy. In this state the ligaments stretch and pull with the growth of the foetus, stressing the body. During labor the body tightens up further due to the added tension and excitement, intensifying the pain as it has already reached its maximum capacity.

Since it’s a form of exercise that gently stretches the muscles without pulling them beyond their limits, yoga increases your core strength which helps in carrying the child. It relieves the pressure and tension associated with the weight of the baby, thus ensuring a relatively easy birth.

It also uses breathing exercises to relieve stress and tension which in turn, relaxes the body and increases circulation of oxygen. These techniques are well worth the effort as they increase flexibility and strength, which minimize the intense pain to mild controllable pain during labor. 

A woman goes through a great deal of emotional turmoil during pregnancy and studies show that rising stress levels increase the risks at this time. Yoga encourages meditation which resolves these common fears and conflicts, inducing “yoga nidra” or yogic sleep which relaxes the mind and maintains a more positive outlook, thus ensuring a healthy pregnancy. The meditative state also brings about an incredible awareness which helps you to connect with your child.

Yoga is a very safe exercise and can be taken up in any phase of the pregnancy, even the last trimester and is recommended as it increases your chances of having a healthy pregnancy and a comparatively easy childbirth.

But don’t drop the habit once the little one has arrived! Postnatal yoga can not only help you shed the extra weight, it can also give you the much needed relaxation.

Consult with a doctor before taking up any form of exercise and practice yoga before, during and after your pregnancy, to stay in the best of health and spirits during the most beautiful phase of your life.