Body and Mind
Taking care of your body and mind can be essential throughout your pregnancy. We need to take care of our body so it is healthy and prepared for childbirth. Our mind can be a powerful tool for achieving the desired birth with a clear mindset and little to no fear. Prenatal yoga can do just that. You are never too early or too late to start prenatal yoga. We have all heard “Oh you better get your sleep before the baby comes”. Well, guess what? Prenatal yoga can help you improve your quality of sleep while you are awaiting your little one’s arrival. Many of the poses and breathing techniques you learn during your prenatal yoga course will be able to be used during labor and delivery.
Clear Your Mind
When preparing for childbirth you may have fears or concerns and prenatal yoga is the perfect opportunity to address these and clear your mind. Not only will you be clearing your mind but you will also be preparing your body at the same time. As you near the end of pregnancy you will want to get your baby in the optimal position for birth. This can easily be achieved throughout your yoga practice. Many think yoga is complex and requires balance and agility. However, there are many simple yoga poses and stretches that are beneficial for the body. While there will be some traditional yoga poses you will want to avoid, there are many other poses that will be beneficial to you. For example, a simple wide-legged squat can be used to open the top of your pelvis for the baby to descend and to relax your pelvic floor. While in this pose you can focus on breathing and connecting with your body and baby.
Modify if Needed
If there are not any prenatal yoga courses near you, a beginner or gentle yoga class is perfect for you. Being mindful of what moves you can and cannot do will be important. Almost every pose can be modified to fit the needs of your practice. Regardless of the pose, you can continue to be mindful of your breathing and connect with your baby and body. If you ever have a concern you can always ask your teacher and consult your healthcare provider as well.
Story by Tayler Morrison for BlueWaterParent.com.
All content of BlueWaterParent.com is for informational and entertainment purposes only and does not constitute medical advice.
