Yoga for Pregnancy
This is a brief introduction to a little of what yoga can offer. We strongly recommend you seek out a yoga teacher in your local area to gain a greater insight.
Pregnancy is a time when many women first discover the joys of yoga. This is because yoga is an ideal antenatal exercise as it is gentle and diverse enough in its modifications to support a woman through the many changes her body undergoes.
The benefits of practicing yoga regularly during pregnancy are manifold, preparing a woman both physically and mentally for the challenges of birth and beyond. It will help a woman become stronger and more flexible, reduce physical tension, stress and anxiety, teach better breathing and therefore more oxygen for the baby. Also improve circulation and calm the nervous system, tone the birthing/core muscles, and relieve many of the aches and pains of pregnancy – to mention just a few!
It is advisable that, where possible, a pregnant woman should attend a specific Prenatal Yoga class rather than a general class. Not only will she enjoy being in the company of other pregnant women going through the same journey as her, but she will also feel secure in the knowledge that her teacher will introduce only those poses and adaptations that are appropriate for pregnancy.
Here is a simple and safe yoga posture for any stage of your pregnancy: -
Seated Bound-Angle Pose (Baddakonasana)
Sit up on a cushion or folded blanket with your legs bent up, soles of the feet together, heels drawn up close to the groins. Rest your hands on your knees, as you sit up tall through your spine, reaching up through the crown of your head, shoulders drawn back and down, chest lifted. Don’t worry about how low your knees come down to the floor, but rather, focus on the extension of your spine, openness of your chest, and breathe into any tightness you find in the hips and groins. Stay for 30 secs – 2 minutes, or as long as you can breathe deeply and feel comfortable. A more supported version of this pose which is useful if you find it challenging to keep your spine erect in this position, or if you feel any strain in the knees or hips, would involve sitting with your back right up against a wall and placing cushions or bricks under the knees.
Do yourself and your unborn baby a huge favour and check our Teachers Directory for a yoga school near you, to enquire if they run prenatal classes.
Article by Ana Davis. Email: anadavis(at)bigpond.com.au