Yoga For Pregnancy
We all know that pregnancy is a time for change. Whether this is your first or fourth, every pregnancy is different, and you can be sure to expect the unexpected. Whether you have a current yoga practice or are a first-timer, a prenatal yoga class will be extremely beneficial both to you and to your baby. Your prenatal yoga class connects you to a wonderful community of mamas, your changing body, and your growing baby. Here are just a few reasons to get yourself into a prenatal yoga class.
Connecting with other expectant mothers
A prenatal yoga class connects you to a community of women who are going through the same changes that you are. This gives you a chance to compare notes, share complaints and tips, and prepare a support system for now and after the baby comes. A prenatal class is also typically smaller than a regular yoga class, providing specific adjustments and instruction from the teacher, which should be certified to teach prenatal yoga specifically. This means you get to connect to your instructor on a deeper level, as well as the other mamas. In addition to connecting to a great community of women, your practice will enable you to connect to yourself on a deeper level.
Preparing your body for childbirth
Every prenatal class will focus on creating strength and stability in the muscles and joints, increase flexibility, and address common complaints that pop up during pregnancy. Childbirth is no easy task! Your body is constantly changing in preparation for growing baby and the birthing process. Many women experience greater flexibility as muscles and ligaments loosen to make space, which can be great! However, in order to protect your joints, strengthening your legs, low back, belly, and hips is a must. Many women can also experience tightness in the hips and low back, especially in the third trimester. Again, here is where your balanced yoga practice of strength and flexibility will come into play. Your yoga practice will also help you to address many complaints including nausea, insomnia, low back pain, sciatica, and indigestion. This balanced practice includes breathwork.
The link between connecting movement and breath cannot be understated. Breath is how we bring oxygen not just to our body, but baby’s. She breathes as you breathe! We eat for two and breathe for two! As we move into the third trimester, all your organs are being squished up as baby grows, making it even more important (and harder) to create space to breathe. In your prenatal yoga class, you will explore different types of breathing and how breath can be used actively to create space, relaxation, and focus. When labor kicks in, this will be your link to having the best birth experience you can possibly have, no matter what gets thrown your way.
Whether you have a consistent yoga practice or are brand new, connecting to a prenatal yoga class can create a sense of community and connection. It’s never too late to start! Your yoga practice can ensure a wonderful prenatal and birth experience. While prenatal yoga can’t guarantee a pain-free and “perfect” birth experience, it will prepare you to be present, make informed decisions, and have the best birth no matter what comes your way.