Benefits of Prenatal Yoga

If you’re pregnant and looking for some effective ways to relax or stay fit, you might want to consider–“prenatal yoga.”  Did you know that prenatal yoga is very beneficial and also helps your baby’s health? Let’s look at the benefits of prenatal yoga below.

What is prenatal yoga?

This particular yoga is a form of exercise and meditation where one breathes and performs specific body postures. It generally is used to help connect the mind and body. Above all, prenatal yoga focuses on various beneficial positions that are specifically designed for pregnant women’s bodies.

During pregnancy, there is no denying that your body goes through many changes. During the trimesters, your entire body may stress you either mentally or physically. A great way to maintain a healthy mind and body is “prenatal yoga.”

You should focus on different poses in order to increase strength and flexibility. Besides this, it also helps a pregnant woman to develop proper breathing and relaxation techniques for easier and more comfortable breathing.

As a pregnant woman it becomes essential for you to follow a healthy practice to adopt during pregnancy. What can prenatal yoga specifically do to help you feel relaxed and stay calm during the most important nine months of your life?

There are certain important ways through which yoga can make a positive difference during your pregnancy.

How is prenatal yoga different from regular yoga?

Prenatal yoga differs from other types of yoga.  Common yoga positions may be too stressful for your joints and pelvic area whereas, prenatal yoga has so many benefits for you and baby. As your baby grows, there’s a lot more changes happening in your body, so this yoga helps to tackle and ease all of that.

Before you start prenatal yoga, understand these wonderful benefits & important safety tips –

Benefits of Prenatal Yoga

• Improve sleep- various poses can relieve tension in the body for a better, deeper sleep. (Legs up the walk, pigeon pose, child’s pose etc.)
• Reduce stress and anxiety- some yoga poses can assist with breathing techniques and getting your mind off everything.  (tree pose, wide leg child’s pose, seated forward fold)
• Increase the strength & flexibility-keeps your muscles lean and your blood flowing.
• Improve the endurance of muscles needed for childbirth
• Decrease lower back pain, nausea, headaches and shortness of breath
• Prepare for the stress of being a new parent
• Open up pelvic area
• Reduced risk of preterm labor

Prenatal Yoga and Pregnancy Support: How are these both related?

While you are pregnant, it is important to build a strong support system. This support system will include your closed ones to help you out. It can be beneficial for you to expand a support system and join a yoga class with other moms to be.

How could joining a prenatal yoga class help?

There are many important factors while learning prenatal yoga. The safest way is to take a class. You will be taught by a certified prenatal yoga instructor, as they are familiar with the specific poses to avoid and which ones to focus on. While participating in a yoga class, there is an opportunity to meet other expecting mothers whom you can share your concerns with.

If you have never done yoga before, it is best to start your prenatal classes in your second trimester.

All in all, these were some of the benefits of prenatal yoga, so if you are expecting – Go ahead!