Yoga during Pregnancy

Posted on December 15, 2007 in Latest News

Yoga can help women get through their pregnancy with minimal discomfort. It also helps the birth and post-delivery stages. Posture is also improved by yoga and this can help ease back problems, which are common in pregnant women. She adds: ‘Yoga helps to prepare for the birth – it encourages breath and body awareness, reduces worry and teaches women to adapt to new situations.’

And yoga continues to have benefits after pregnancy, too. Postnatal yoga, which can be started about six weeks after the birth, strengthens abdominal muscles and your pelvic floor. It also helps you to get back to your pre-pregnancy shape faster.

Safety guidelines

Starting yoga is no different to starting any other form of exercise – the same advice applies. If you are not used to regular exercise then you should start slowly. If in doubt consult your doctor or midwife.

Postures

Bridge Pose – Setu Bandha Sarvangasana – Strengthens the spine, opens the chest, improves spinal flexibility, and stimulates the thyroid.

Cat – Cow Stretch – Increases spinal flexibility and abdominal strength.

Cobbler’s Pose- Baddha Konasana – Opens the hips and groin.

What to watch out for:

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