Practising Safe Yoga when Pregnant
Pregnancy is a transformative journey both physically and mentally. Amidst the joy and anticipation, it’s crucial to find ways to nurture your well-being. Yoga can be a fantastic choice for expectant mothers - offering a gentle yet powerful means to navigate the unique challenges of pregnancy.
Yoga during pregnancy can often be referred to as prenatal yoga. It incorporates a series of carefully designed poses, breathing exercises, and relaxation techniques that accommodate the evolving needs of the body. They can help to alleviate common pregnancy discomforts and prepare your body for bringing your baby into the world.
The benefits of prenatal Yoga.
There is a myriad of benefits to practicing yoga through your pregnancy journey and throughout parenthood.
The calming flow of the exercises can reduce stress and anxiety, promoting emotional well-being, which can also lead to better sleep when practised regularly.
By relieving tension, increasing flexible and strengthening your core muscles, yoga positions tailored for pregnancy can prepare your body for labour and delivery of the baby.
Once your baby has arrived earth-side, there is also the opportunity the foster a deeper bond through including them in safe and gentle exercises together. This should also be through the guidance of an experience Yoga instructor to ensure the safety of both you and your new arrival.
Is Yoga During Pregnancy Safe?
Pregnancy during yoga is considered safe for most. Just ensure that you are following professional advice in a comfortable and safe environment.
When to avoid Yoga during Pregnancy.
Whilst yoga can be safe during pregnancy, you should avoid this or any other exercises if:
- You have a history of preterm labour
- You have any complications such as placental issues
- You experience severe back pain or dizziness
- You have been advised against physical activity due to specific health concerns
Always check with your midwife or healthcare provider if you are unsure about exercise, or anything else during your pregnancy.
Tips for Prenatal Yoga:
💦Stay hydrated. Like with any physical activity you need to ensure that your hydration levels are maintained before, during and after. Especially when pregnant.
🥵Stay within your limits. Some positions and stretches will be easier than others to manoeuvre into. If you are finding anything is difficult or becoming uncomfortable you can easily adjust to suit your own needs.
🤓Take expert advice. As with most things during pregnancy it is important to consult your healthcare provider to evaluate any potential risks that may arise. If you have a pregnancy free of complications, you may just want some additional reassurance. If you have any issues during your pregnancy, it is always advisable to check in with professionals.
🏡Ensure your space is suitable. Whilst Yoga can be practised in a range of spaces. If you are doing your yoga routine at home, you should ensure that the space used is free from hazards and has enough space to fully stretch your body into the correct position. Make sure that any shelves are free of clutter that may be knocked off and that you have surface that allows you to be in positions comfortably throughout your yoga session.
✅Use props and equipment. Whilst yoga can be practiced using the strength and support of your own body, you would also benefit from using props such as yoga blocks, or even including your dreamgenii pregnancy pillow in your routine. Check out the dreamgenii Instagram page for tips on this and more!
