Yoga And Pregnancy

Yoga is for everyone - any age, men, women and children, but is especially helpful at times of change in our lives. Pregnancy is a time when extra care should be taken not only in exercise classes but in all activities and living. Yoga will help maintain a healthy and strong body during all stages of pregnancy and help women to deliver their babies in a confident way.

Pregnancy is a natural time for taking care of yourself. For a first-time mother  yoga classes will offer a chance to be comfortable in the changes taking place both physically and mentally. A chance to take a break, relax into the pregnancy and make contact with her baby. Yoga practice will also help prevent all kinds of back problems. It will help to keep blood pressure low, prevent cramps, varicose veins, it will improve circulation and prevent swelling of the joints. Breathing will improve and tiredness will be overcome. Good sleep will be induced.

The practice of yoga will also maintain a sense of self in a time of change. Yoga postures will be taught with encouragement and ideas to help deliver babies confidently and often without intervention. Yoga can help with anxiety around the birth and possible depression.

Many mothers come to yoga classes as beginners with no experience of yoga but have seen articles on how beneficial it is in helping to give birth naturally. Maternity classes use modified yoga postures with the emphasis on breathing, strengthening and relaxation. Applicable to all stages of pregnancy. For those who already practice yoga a maternity class will provide many tips on how to continue yoga safely during pregnancy.

I believe we should train to have a baby. You wouldn't climb a mountain or run a marathon without training first, and there is also the other side to yoga - it is a mind and body practice. The yoga postures will keep the body strong, but the meditative side of yoga is vital. The transition into motherhood has to be addressed. We live in a culture where we have babies and rush back to work or put a wash on and go to the supermarket. There is an expectation that believes we will not change. Yoga can be part of the rite of passage into motherhood helping to prepare for the changes ahead. 

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By Lisa Askem -

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 Source: Lisa Askem has been teaching pre and post-natal yoga in London, England for over 15 years. She is trained with the British Wheel of Yoga and has worked with the Active Birth Movement. She is also involved in providing yoga classes for the National Health Service. Visit her webstie at Bend It Like Lisa - Yoga In Southwest London.