How Does Yoga Let You Feel Good During Pregnancy

Pregnancy is one experience that brings about several major changes in a woman’s life. These changes can be physical, emotional, spiritual as well as mental. Some of the changes can be a bit too overwhelming, which can prompt many women to look for safe options, that would help them deal with their feelings and concerns about impending motherhood. Some doctors recommend that women exercise during pregnancy, to help reduce the stress and keep them healthier. Therefore, it is very common to see women walk or even swim during pregnancy. Several doctors also recommend the ancient practice of Yoga during pregnancy, to improve a woman’s physical and emotional health. Therefore, Yoga asanas (poses) and exercises have become a regular part of several prenatal classes.

Benefits of Yoga During Pregnancy

Thousands of women across the globe have successfully enjoyed the benefits of Yoga du

image : freedigitalphotos.net

ring pregnancy. Practicing certain techniques and poses can help you improve your breathing, reduce stress, regulate the amount of weight you gain and most important of all, it can prepare your body, for childbirth. With the help of Yoga, you can ease some discomforts that are considered a normal part of pregnancy, such as backaches, for example. In fact, several beginners and inexperienced yoga practitioners mainly take up Yoga during pregnancy, on the recommendation of a doctor or their medical healthcare providers. Some of the best yoga poses that should be practiced during pregnancy are:

• Setu Bandha Sarvangasana (The Bridge Pose) 
• Ardha Chandrasana (The Half Moon Pose) 
• Sputa Baddha Konasana (The Goddess Pose) 
• Baddha Konasana (The Cobblers Pose) 
• Utthita Trikonasana (The Extended Triangle Pose) 

However, there are also some yoga poses that are not safe for pregnant women to practice. Some of the common yoga poses to avoid during pregnancy are Halasana (The Plough Pose), Dhanurasana (The Bow Pose), Pavan Muktasana (The Wind Relieving Pose), Ushtrasana (The Camel Pose), Matsyasana (The Fish Pose), Ekpadasana (The One Legged Pose), Bhujangasana (The Cobra Pose) Natrajasana (The King Of Dance Pose) and Navasana (The Boat Pose), just to name a few. Pranayama, which includes breath retention as well as rapid inhaling and exhaling should be strictly avoided during pregnancy. However, certain pregnancy breathing exercises, known as birthing breath can be practiced, after checking with a doctor. Deep twists, jumps, headstands, shoulder stands, backbends, abdominal exercises and poses where lying on the belly is required, should be strictly avoided. In case of any doubt, it is best to check with a doctor, before practicing any Yoga poses during pregnancy. There a lot of other yoga poses that you can use after pregnancy also called post natal yoga to keep you healthy and fit.