Prenatal Yoga
A mini guide to Prenatal Yoga
Expecting a baby brings forth a whirlwind of emotions, overwhelming your being with fluctuating hormonal surges. In a mere instant, joy and radiance fill your heart, only to be swiftly replaced by distressing cramps and tiny, yet powerful, kicks. In these instances, prenatal yoga may have crossed your mind.
Prenatal yoga is a recommended activity for expecting mothers due to the wide range of emotions and hormonal changes they experience during pregnancy. The practice allows pregnant women to embrace their body’s journey and reconnect with it. An Online Prenatal Yoga Teacher Training course is available, offering a balanced mix of theory and practical exercises to teach yoga to pregnant women safely and confidently. Offline classes are also provided for moms who prefer to attend in person. Yoga during pregnancy is a gentle and low-impact way to stay active, benefiting both the body and mind.
Benefits of Prenatal Yoga
Prenatal yoga is a safe and beneficial exercise for pregnant women. It promotes stretching, mental focus, and breathing. Benefits include stress reduction, relief from physical discomforts, improved sleep, lower blood pressure, decreased risk of premature birth, mood stabilization, weight management, and enhanced delivery experience. It also provides an opportunity to connect with other expectant mothers and prepare for parenthood.
Safety considerations
Prenatal yoga is a safe and beneficial exercise for pregnant women. It promotes stretching, mental focus, and breathing. Benefits include stress reduction, relief from physical discomforts, improved sleep, lower blood pressure, decreased risk of premature birth, mood stabilization, weight management, and enhanced delivery experience. It also provides an opportunity to connect with other expectant mothers and prepare for parenthood.
Prenatal yoga for every trimester
During the first trimester of pregnancy, it is important to consult with a doctor and inform your yoga instructor about your pregnancy. Take it easy and listen to your body, as you may experience tiredness and nausea. Postural changes are minimal, and there are not many restrictions during this time.
In the second trimester, it is best to start prenatal yoga. Morning sickness is likely to have improved by this point. As your belly grows, you will need to focus on pregnancy-specific poses and advice. Avoid lying on your stomach and deep twists, as they can be uncomfortable. Be mindful of your shifting body and balance, and avoid holding poses for too long. When lying down, use a wedge or pillow to raise your upper body.
The third trimester yoga is very close to my heart. It’s like mental and physical training the mom to be to go through the labour process.
And also our labour management classes creates awareness about the whole process.
How to select a Prenatal Program?
To ensure a safe and comfortable prenatal yoga experience, follow these guidelines:
- Look for a prenatal yoga programme taught by a certified instructor.
- Consider attending a class in advance to assess the activities, instructor’s style, class size, and environment.
- Search specifically for classes labeled “prenatal yoga” as these instructors are best suited to guide you.
- If you attend a regular yoga class, inform the instructor that you are pregnant.
- Relaxation is crucial during both prenatal yoga and labor. Yoga can provide the peace and strength needed for a safe pregnancy and delivery.
- While yoga offers benefits for both body and mind, it is not a substitute for medicine.
- Practice yoga under the supervision of a certified yoga instructor.
- Prior to starting prenatal yoga, consult your healthcare provider to ensure it is safe for you.
Labour Management
About the educator
Nanditha is the founder and coordinator of Saaki, an organization focused on women and child welfare. She’s a Childbirth Educator, mentored by Gynecologists and senior CAPPA members, with a Master’s degree in Philosophy and a certificate in Counseling Skills. Her research centers around Conscious Parenting and its impact on Child Development. Additionally, she is a trained Playback Theatre Artist from Yours Truly Theatre. Nanditha has conducted diverse workshops across various sectors, including corporates, education, and the social sector. Her workshops combine theater, art, mindfulness, and community-based approaches to convey their purpose effectively.
