You already know how yoga can help improve
flexibility and calm your nerves. But, did you
know a prenatal yoga practice can also set you
up for an easier birth?
The National Institute of Health reports that
mothers who practiced yoga during pregnancy
experienced decreased preterm labor, fewer
instances of low birth weight, and significantly
lower cases of hypertension.
The health benefits are plenty. Plus, it’s fun to
spend time with other women who have the
same hopes, enthusiasm, cravings, fears, aches,
and pains.
breathing
During the different stages of labor, sometimes
the only aspect you can control is your breath.
Prenatal classes help prepare you with calm,
focused breathing. You’ll learn basic meditation and deep diaphragm breath work, reducing
anxiety and helping you stay centered and focused. This will keep your energy in check and
give you stamina for the long labor haul. And if
your birth doesn’t go exactly as planned, your
yoga practice will help you surrender to the
situation and field what comes with less anxiety.
muscle control
Standing poses, a core part of any prenatal
class, ground the body, strengthen the legs and
focus on posture. The extra belly weight can
throw your alignment out of whack. Pregnant
women need to learn how to carry themselves
differently to protect their backs. These abilities, plus the breathing techniques and added
flexibility, are invaluable in the throes of contractions when you’ll need to relax and keep
the birth channel open.
managing discomforts
Many moms experience physical discomfort
when pregnant and have a tough time getting
the rest so badly needed. According to the
Mayo