By Faye Martins and Rachel Holmes Congratulations on the arrival of your little bundle of joy! Do you need help with yoga after pregnancy? Of course, pregnancy and childbirth are transformative experiences, both physically and emotionally. As you navigate this beautiful journey into motherhood, it’s important to prioritize self-care and find ways to nurture your …
Pregnant students require a specialist who has completed prenatal yoga teacher training to keep a keen eye not only on the student herself but the child she is carrying. While most students require variations or adjustments to typical poses, pregnancy carries with it a unique challenge in ensuring the health and safety of both mother and child.
If you are not a regular yoga practitioner prior to becoming pregnant, while pregnant is not the best time to begin. Why, because you are unfamiliar with yoga and have not given your body the opportunity to adjust to the practice of yoga, the stretches, the bends, the positions, etc.
Pregnancy is a great opportunity to relax and turn your attention inwards. Hormones released during pregnancy cause dramatic changes in the body. For example: the hormone relaxin, softens the connective tissue, cartilage, and supports the joints to prepare for an easier delivery. Any asana or pranayama technique that doesn’t make you feel good should be stopped immediately.
Yoga not only benefits the mother, it also has positive benefits for the baby because during Yoga exercises, the baby receives higher levels of oxygen and endorphins. Yoga for pregnant woman helps improve circulation and fluid retention in the body. Asanas also help in relieving the aches and pains of pregnancy as a result of the growing weight of your baby.