Pregnancy is one of the most amazing experiences women go through. However, it is also an experience that takes a huge toll on your body as you go through drastic changes that no one could prepare you for.
Having a healthy pregnancy and delivery is dependent on how well you take care of yourself during the nine months you carry your little one in your belly. Staying fit and active is one of the ways that pregnant women are advised to try in a bid to have a healthy pregnancy.
Truth be told, there will be days your fitness game will not be on; either because you don't feel so well or you simply don't feel like it. Also, you may not want to engage in any exercises out of the fear that you could harm the baby in your tummy.
If this is you, then yoga is for you. Yoga is one of the ways through which you can stay fit and active and be safe from any injuries that could happen while working out. If you are still skeptical, keep reading as the following benefits of prenatal yoga may persuade you to try it out.
1. Allows you to Sleep Better
Are you suffering from insomnia? If yes, then it is time you joined a prenatal yoga class. Studies have shown that women who begin to practice prenatal yoga while in their second trimester, sleep better. Pregnant women who did not practice prenatal yoga were reported to have woken up multiple time throughout the night and stayed awake for a longer period of time before they could finally fall asleep.
Poor sleep has been associated with long duration of labor and a higher probability of going through a cesarean birth. If you find that you are still having trouble sleeping, it may be the pillow you are using. Getting a comfortable night’s rest paired with the light exercise of prenatal yoga will help you get your beauty sleep throughout your pregnancy.
2. Makes your Core Muscles Stronger
Prenatal yoga helps you build stronger core muscles which in turn, prepare your body for the physical stress brought about by the birth and delivery process. Yoga strengthens the spine and back muscles which carry the weight of the baby growing in your tummy. Yoga also makes your pelvic floor muscles stronger which in turn helps you push your baby during birth and delivery.
3. Helps you Learn Proper Breathing
Prenatal yoga will also involve breathing exercises that help pregnant women relieve their tension and stress. This, in turn, helps alleviate pain and also get rid of headaches which are quite common during pregnancy.
When you are due to give birth, the breathing exercises will get you through labor and delivery as you will be able to stay calm by the use of the controlled breathing techniques.
4. Allows you to Connect with Like-minded Moms
If you were yet to find a community group with fellow pregnant moms who would encourage and support you throughout your journey, look no further. Joining a prenatal yoga class is like joining a support group of some kind as you get to connect with other pregnant moms who share similar ideas, lifestyles, and choices.
Walking the pregnancy journey with fellow women who understand your highs and lows will help get rid of the anxiety you may be going through.
5. Provides a Cure for Common Pregnancy Complaints
Many are the times' pregnant women will complain of feeling nauseated, back pains, headaches, breathlessness, insomnia among other common pregnancy complaints. If this has been the order of the day for you, then it is advisable that you try out prenatal yoga as it could provide a cure for all these discomforts.
Prenatal yoga poses to stretch and tone your body improve blood circulation in your body. The yoga breathing techniques also ensure that your entire body and little one get adequate oxygen. Also, the meditation practice in yoga also offers relief for the stress that comes along with pregnancy.
However, it is important to note that there is no guarantee that all the pregnancy discomforts will disappear all at once but yoga will help your body and mind deal with the situation much better.
6. Reduces the Likelihood of Intrauterine Growth Restriction
Studies have found that babies born to women who practice prenatal yoga are rarely born prematurely and more often than not have a heavier weight than they would at their gestational age.
This is proof that prenatal yoga reduces the occurrence of intrauterine growth restriction which is often the end result after a series of pregnancy complications.
Scientists have also suggested that women who practice prenatal yoga are less likely to suffer from preeclampsia. Prenatal yoga is believed to greatly support the development of the placenta as the arteries in the reposition themselves and allow the placenta to position itself in the inner parts of the uterus. This inner positioning ensures that the growing fetus gets adequate nutrients. Poor placenta development has been linked to conditions such as preeclampsia and low birth weight.
By Natalie Michelle
Hello, my name is Natalie and I am the owner of MaternityatHome. In the day I am a General Physician and at night I am a devout mother of two. I am always busy but I do love sharing all my knowledge and experience with other mothers or mothers-to-be out there!
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Practice Prenatal Yoga right now to have a more enjoyable pregnancy!