The moment of pregnancy in any woman is full of ecstasy and change because it brings so many changes in the body and the mind. The hormonal shift and changes in the body prepare the new expectant mom to bring the new life into the world. All this calls for utmost care of body and mind. Yoga is probably one of the most effective ways to do all these.
Yoga in pregnancy also known as Prenatal Yoga, provides physical comfort and mental peace to the woman. It helps women to reduce their stress levels and be better prepared for labor and delivery. Here we are going to see the advantages that yoga will provide to pregnant women and their babies as well.
Relieves Common Pregnancy Discomfort
During the first trimester, it is very common for women to experience hormonal changes which also bring the feeling of discomfort, anxiety, and nausea. Morning sickness can make a woman feel uncomfortable with the constant pain in her back and head. Regular practice of yoga would help with relieving these symptoms. Many yoga poses are designed to gently stretch and strengthen muscles, thus improving posture and alignment, and somehow reducing body strains.
Improves Sleep Quality
It is very common for expected moms to lose their sleep. Discomfort and anxiety often lead to disturbed sleep. Yoga helps deepen sleep by relaxing the stress level, calming the nervous system, and relaxing the muscles. Regular yoga routines focus on deep breathing and relaxation poses that eventually help remove all tightness from the body and prepare the body for restful sleep.
Indulge in breathing exercises before sleep also helps in the calming of the muscles and makes your body relax. This will help pregnant women to have good sleep.
Boost Mental Health And Reduce Stress
Due to the hormonal shift in the body women often feel many emotional ups and downs during their pregnancy period. Constant worrying about their future and baby’s health can make them feel stress, and anxiety which often leads to depression. Yoga is a great way to keep those feelings at bay. Incorporating breathing exercises, meditation, and gentle movements into your routine can help make you feel relaxed, calm and improve your mental health.
Prepare Your Body For Labor And Delivery
Yoga is a great way to prepare your body for labor, it can be a great aid during your time of delivery. Breathing exercises and meditation can prepare women to go into labor and stay calm even during the most painful times. This will help them avoid any tension and stress they might feel. Stretching exercises that are done during your pregnancy can also prepare your body for delivery as it helps to build your muscles around the hip and pelvic area, which leads to a smooth delivery.
Improves Blood Circulation
Pregnancy puts a lot of strain on your circulatory system and may lead to problems like high blood pressure, swelling, or varicose veins. Yoga improves circulation in the body by stimulating blood flow and thereby helps to prevent complications.
Foster A Connection With Your Baby
Yoga might be a great way to connect with your baby. Mindful practices that calm you down are a great way to appreciate the lift that is growing inside of you. Yoga is a great way to foster a sense of calm and relaxation in your schedule. This also helps in maintaining good physical and mental health, which eventually strengthens the bond between you and your baby.
Before practicing yoga, It is usually a must to listen to the body in pregnancy and do yoga at a pace comfortable for you. Always get your doctor’s approval before doing something new or changing your workout routine for it to be safe both for you and the baby. It is also advisable to change the yoga practices according to your changing body so that you can be more comfortable.
The Bottom Line
Pregnancy yoga can be a source of physical, mental, and emotional comfort for the mother bearing a child. Incorporating techniques that reduce some pregnancy discomforts and improve sleep helps women prepare for labor. Yoga is the tool to help achieve a healthy and balanced pregnancy. Always check with your healthcare provider before exercising, especially with any new program, and look for a certified prenatal yoga instructor so that your practice is both safe and beneficial for you and your baby.
