Yoga during pregnancy has gained popularity, thanks to endorsements from celebrities like Gwyneth Paltrow and Kate Middleton. However, the popularity of prenatal yoga is not just due to its celebrity endorsements. The health benefits it offers to both expectant mothers and their unborn children are noteworthy.
Broad Health Advantages
Practicing yoga prepares your body for the physical demands of labor and motherhood. It reduces risks associated with depression and anxiety and promotes better sleep. A 2012 study revealed that expectant mothers who practiced yoga had a lower risk of complications compared to those who did not. The study also showed a reduced likelihood of gestational diabetes, high blood pressure, and low birth-weight babies among yoga practitioners.
Enhanced Circulation and Nervous System Calming
Yoga serves as a healthy means for pregnant women to stay fit. It boosts blood circulation and oxygenation while stretching all muscle groups. The enhanced circulation helps alleviate swelling and inflammation, common in pregnancy.
Furthermore, yoga strengthens the mother's immune system, contributing to a healthier environment for both the mother and the fetus. It also soothes the nervous system. Yoga's deep breathing exercises can stimulate a parasympathetic response, leading to relaxation. This response improves the functioning of the digestive system, promotes quality sleep, and optimizes the immune system.
Yoga as Labor Preparation
Prenatal yoga introduces expectant mothers to various breathing techniques that can manage shortness of breath during pregnancy and assist with painful contractions during labor. Research suggests that women who practiced prenatal yoga experienced less labor pain compared to non-practitioners. These women learn to manage pain and achieve spiritual and psychological comfort, enabling them to handle intense pain and stress during labor more effectively.
Stress Relief Through Yoga
Unchecked stress can adversely affect the health of the mother and the developing baby. Yoga helps pregnant women connect with their babies while executing yogic postures. The breathing techniques taught in yoga sessions help pregnant women realize that they don't have to react immediately to discomfort or negative situations. This realization fosters patience and mental relaxation.
Alleviating Backache with Yoga
As the baby grows and exerts pressure on the spine, backache is a common issue. Yoga or daily stretching exercises can significantly alleviate this discomfort.
For instance, cat stretches performed on all fours can help. Tuck in your tailbone and neck while rounding the back, then arch in the opposite direction, looking upwards and allowing your back to sway. This can ease lower back pain and enhance circulation.
Pelvic tilts are another effective exercise for reducing lower back pain. Sleeping with a pillow between your legs while lying on your side can also help.
Before enrolling in any yoga class, always consult with your doctor and find an instructor who specializes in prenatal yoga.