Yoga During Pregnancy
As you may know, yoga during pregnancy has many benefits for you and the baby. Unfortunately, it may be harmful if done incorrectly. Here are some tips for safely enjoying yoga during pregnancy.
- If you have never done yoga before, you should take a beginners class to ease yourself into it
- Avoid any pose that stretches your muscles too much, especially your abdominal muscles
- Avoid laying on your back after the first trimester, as this can restrict blood flow to your baby
- Perform standing poses near a wall to help you to keep your balance and prevent injury to your baby or yourself
- Keep your pelvis upright and in front of your thighs when stretching your chest
- When you bend forward, bend from the hips, not back. Maintain as much distance between your breast bone and your pubic bone as possible. This should allow you to breathe easier.
- When you bend forward while sitting, place a towel around your feet and hold both ends. Bend at your hips and lift your chest to avoid compression of your abdomen.
- When performing twisting poses, twist more from the back and shoulders to avoid putting unnecessary pressure on your abdomen.
- Always inform the instructor that you are pregnant if she is not already aware. She may have some alternative poses that she can suggest.
- If at any point you feel uncomfortable, stop what you are doing. You may need to adapt each pose to the changes occurring in your body.