Prenatal Yoga or Yoga during Pregnancy

Many women these days are turning to Prenatal Yoga during pregnancy because of its numerous benefits and health advantages. Prenatal Yoga is considered the most health way of taking care of oneself during pregnancy and the reason why Prenatal Yoga DVD’s and Prenatal Yoga Classes have become extremely popular now. By doing certain Yoga postures during pregnancy the healthy growth and development of the fetus can be ensured apart from making the pregnancy period and child birth less strenuous for the woman.

While it is advisable for the woman to attend classes or get trained on the yoga postures and breathing techniques under the guidance of an expert those who find it difficult to do so may buy a Prenatal Yoga DVD which would walk you through the postures to be practiced during the different stages of pregnancy and the dos and don’ts of the postures. Most of this expert DVD’s are divided into three sections - first trimester, second trimester and third trimester. One can learn by watching the demonstrations of asana at the comfort of the time and practicing it. Even if you are attending the classes it is a good idea to buy a good DVD. This can also be a great gift you can give an expecting mother.

Yoga is a safe, simple and a natural method of preparing the pregnant woman for motherhood and the baby for childbirth. Many women are not aware of how Yoga can help them face pregnancy and child birth. In the older times there were no much complications or troubles during child birth because of the healthier life styles led by those women.

I remember my grandmother telling me that she did all the different house hold chores till the day she gave birth to the child. Remember that in those days there were no machines to make the house hold chores easier or specialist doctors like we have now. My Grandmother had 10 children and all in normal births without any complications and I even remember her telling that once at the eight month of pregnancy she had to walk 15 kilometers to attend a relatives wedding because they could not get a bullock cart which was the normal mode of transportation. I don’t think any modern woman would even attempt doing such a thing or do any strenuous work like drawing the water from well, making flour, crushing spices etc which was no less than doing any exercises. Modern women lead unhealthy lifestyles and prefer to take full rest during the pregnancy thereby putting on more weight and having complications. This is where practicing Prenatal Yoga can help.

Coming to the topic on how Prenatal Yoga can help to have a better pregnancy period and child birth, one major benefit is that it helps fetus to develop healthily.

• The asana and stretching postures make for comfortable space for the fetus and the breathing techniques ensure a better oxygen flow for the baby there by contributing for its development.
• Apart from this the various breathing techniques practiced also helps to relax the mind and body of the expectant mother by relieving stress. The mood swings, stress and tension can not only affect the mother but also the fetus and Yoga can offer a remedy for that.
• When the mind is at peace physical aches, pains and discomfort also tends to disappear. One of the most common problems faced by the expectant mother is backache and yoga can cure it. In case of back ache you may also opt for a maternity support belt which can be another remedy for the situation. Yoga also prepares the mother’s body for the traumas of labor by strengthening and toning the muscles.
• Another common problem faced by pregnant woman is overweight because of unhealthy eating and lack of exercises. Yoga can help one to actually go through pregnancy without putting on excessive weight and thereby avoiding the need of post-pregnancy crash dieting and rigorous workouts. A certified Prenatal Yoga Trainer can not only make one is better equipped to deal with all types of complications that could arise but also advice an appropriate diet routine to help one go through a healthy pregnancy tenure.

If you are pregnant I suggest you to take up yoga and meditation to make it a better experience for you. However, Though I am not giving the yoga postures to be practiced here as I think it is better to attend a Prenatal Yoga Class and learn the same from an Expert. Apart from this also indulge in walking and sticking on to a healthy and balanced diet. It is advisable to avoid too much fat, sugar, meat or seasoning during the pregnancy tenure. It is better to take small meals 5-6 times a day than going for heavy meals. Also abstain from alcohol, smoking, tea or coffee. Take foods that are rich in vitamins and proteins. Fresh foods and Vegetables are highly beneficial. However, these are only general guidelines to be followed during pregnancy and a doctor can advice you better based on your body type, requirements or health history.