Congratulations on your pregnancy! As an expectant mom, your body is going to go through a number of changes not just physically, but also mentally as you are bound to take on strain. It is important that you find beneficial ways to help your body cope through these changes. We suggest you try prenatal yoga.
Now I’m sure you’re thinking “downward dog…in my condition?” Uhm no. Well, the good news is that prenatal yoga does not require you to do strenuous positions that will leave you out of breath or make you feel uncomfortable. “Prenatal yoga focuses on poses for pregnant women, in order to increase strength and flexibility; it also helps expectant moms develop breathing and relaxation techniques for an easier and more comfortable birth1.” Now there are many benefits that have been associated with prenatal yoga, not just for you but for your little one as well. Attending a prenatal yoga class once a week for 30 minutes can make a significant difference to your body and your pregnancy journey as a whole. What are some of the benefits of prenatal yoga? Well, believe it or not, it reduces stress. According to the American Pregnancy Association2, “thirty minutes of mild to moderate exercise several days a week is enormously beneficial for an expectant mom. It can also help lower cortisol levels, which is the hormone that causes anxiety and stress.”
The second benefit of prenatal yoga is that it helps decrease lower back pain. The American Association stipulates that3 “back pain or discomfort is common during pregnancy and should be expected to some degree by most women. Back pain may be experienced during any point of your pregnancy; however, it most commonly occurs later in pregnancy as baby grows. Mild exercises approved by your health care provider can support and help strengthen the back and abdomen.” By now, I’m sure you realise that the benefits associated with prenatal yoga are endless. Recent studies have also found that there is a relationship between prenatal yoga and the reduction of hypertension-related complications4.
Now tell me if that doesn’t make you want to sign up immediately? Luckily there are many prenatal yoga studios around South Africa and we suggest you give them a call. However, there are a few factors that you should consider before learning prenatal yoga. Make sure you take a class designed for pregnant woman, and that the instructor is a certified prenatal yoga instructor and that you are cleared by your healthcare practitioner. They will be well informed on the poses designed for the benefit of pregnant women and will know what to do in case you experience discomfort during your class.
So what are you waiting for? Start looking for a prenatal yoga studio around your area, as it is a great way to meet other expectant moms and socialise. Who knows, your child’s best friend might be in that class! While you’re at it, why not incorporate Mom2B® pregnancy shakes into your Yoga exercise?
Be sure for both of you – give you and your baby the nutritional support he or she needs while also giving yourself a healthy body and mind
Visit our Pinterest board to save a range of first trimester yoga poses.
Sources
1americanpregnancy.org
2americanpregnancy.org/treat-stress-naturally-pregnancy/
3americanpregnancy.org/back-pain-during-pregnancy/
4americanpregnancy.org/prenatal-yoga/
