*This is a sponsored guest article. Content not provided by Chasing Supermom. Feature image courtesy of *http://americanpregnancy.org/pregnancy-health/prenatal-yoga/.
By the time you reach pregnancy week 10, it’s likely that you’ll find yourself dealing with some common discomforts such as headaches and mood swings. Exercise is one of the easiest natural methods for easing these symptoms (and some others you might be dealing with) plus it provides you with a much-needed energy boost during the day while improving sleep at night. Because yoga is a low-impact activity that improves strength and flexibility, it’s among the best ways to improve fitness during pregnancy.
Practicing Yoga During Pregnancy Makes Labor Easier
Prenatal yoga poses designed to strengthen and lengthen the pelvic floor muscles can make the labor and delivery process easier on your body. Suitable for beginners and ultra-easy for experienced yoga enthusiasts, these asanas incorporate deep breathing and light stretching.
Yoga Helps Reduce Stress
You might be overjoyed at the prospect of bringing a new baby into your family; at the same time, there are a lot of unknowns that can increase your stress level. There are lots of healthy ways to destress, and because yoga comes with so many other benefits, it’s worth looking into.
Not All Yoga is Appropriate for Pregnancy
If you love hot (Bikram) yoga, you’ll have to wait until after the baby comes to go back to the studio. Additionally, you’ll want to avoid poses that include serious abdominal stretching or deep forward bends. Skip asanas that call for lying flat on your back for an extended period of time, too.
Short, Easy Sessions are Best
Be sure not to overtax your body. Keep your prenatal yoga sessions to about half an hour or less and stick to easy, relaxing poses, even if you’re normally accustomed to pushing yourself.
You Don’t Need Much to Get Started
There are many reasons why yoga is so popular: Not only does it improve physical and mental well-being, it’s also a practice that calls for very little in terms of equipment. You’ll need a yoga mat, comfortable clothing, and enough floor space to move around comfortably. A few yoga props like straps, foam blocks, cushions folded blankets, or rolled towels can make it far easier to support your body, get it into position, and enjoy more satisfying stretches. Even more experienced yoga aficionados will appreciate a little help as late pregnancy approaches.
You Can Join a Class or Do Yoga on Your Own
If you have access to prenatal yoga classes, it’s a good idea to participate in sessions. Not only will you get help and guidance from the instructor, you’ll also meet some like-minded moms to be. What if there are no prenatal yoga classes available in your area? There are quite a few options: You can tune in to YouTube for helpful tutorials, and some sites even offer prenatal yoga classes online.
You Should Check in With Your Doctor Before Beginning
Even though yoga is widely considered to be one of the best ways to exercise during pregnancy, it’s important to get your doctor’s approval before beginning. In most cases, he or she will be thrilled to hear that you’re planning to take charge of your health by staying active.
Sources:
http://americanpregnancy.org/pregnancy-health/prenatal-yoga/
https://www.yogajournal.com/lifestyle/prenatal-yoga-pelvic-floor-sequence-easier-labor-delivery
https://www.marchofdimes.org/pregnancy/stress-and-pregnancy.aspx
https://www.webmd.com/fitness-exercise/features/yoga-for-stress-management#1
