Prenatal Yoga Benefits

Now that yoga is widely admired, accepted and sought after, many women are keen to practice it thanks to the many physical benefits that prenatal yoga offers. Prenatal yoga helps pregnant women by opening the possibility for inner reflection, bringing about a healthy physical and emotional outlook towards the pregnancy period, and most importantly setting up the pregnant mother for birth on a holistic level.

For the first trimester consult an experienced and well qualified instructor who has specific training in prenatal yoga. Although there are not too many restrictions during the first trimester, it is essential that you follow the guidelines of your doctor. Drink plenty of water before, during, and after yoga to maintain body hydration. The initial three months of pregnancy is a time of rapid hormonal as well as physiological changes in the body. Even before there are any signs of outward appearance, there are a number of internal changes that take place and you may begin to feel different. This is the time that you need to pay close attention to your body where yoga practice is concerned. If you happen to experience morning sickness during the first trimester, it is a way of your body telling you to take it slow and easy. Do not attempt vigorous forms of yoga poses during this time. Allow your body to rest as much as possible and even if the yoga practice is given a miss, it is alright as long as you feel well. Some types of yoga poses during the first trimester include hip exercises such as the pigeon pose, the warrior II pose, the triangle pose, the knee to ankle pose etc. These yoga poses are useful in building flexibility for childbirth. If you experience any form of stress or discomfort during the yoga pose request your instructor to opt suggest an alternative position.

During the second trimester your joints start to relax hence you will need to act with caution. Since the girth begins to expand, your sense of balance may also be affected and hence hold poses only for a short time till you are comfortable. Also remember to move slowly into the yoga positions in order to prevent injury. At this stage it is best that you do not overdo any form of exercises. Avoid yoga poses on the back during this stage.

Since the belly is bigger in the third trimester use props or supports for standing poses to avoid losing your balance and risking injury.