Is Prenatal Yoga Right For You?

Your OB/GYN has likely talked about the importance of staying healthy throughout your pregnancy. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle includes getting including exercise in your daily routine. One safe way to do that is to practice yoga, such as at Ageless Yoga. If you are unsure if prenatal yoga is right for you, here is what you need to know.

What Are the Benefits?

There are several benefits to prenatal yoga, including it can help with improving your sleep. Throughout your pregnancy, the increasing size of the baby can make it difficult to find a comfortable position in which to sleep. Yoga equips you with the tools to learn how to consciously relax.

Yoga helps to alleviate stress. Even though pregnancy is a joyous time for most soon-to-be mothers, it can also be stressful. Worries about the health of the baby, preparing for his or her arrival, and fears about caring for a new baby can lead to anxiety. Yoga is an outlet that can help with the stress and even help you avoid anxiety-related diseases, such as high blood pressure.

One of the most important benefits of yoga is that it can help to prepare your body for childbirth. The exercises help to increase your flexibility and muscle strength. Even your endurance levels will be improved.

What Should You Remember During Yoga Sessions?

If you decide to join a yoga class, talk to your OB/GYN first. He or she can advise you whether it is safe for your current condition. Once you are approved, you can join a prenatal yoga class of your choice.

Throughout yoga sessions, it is imperative that you stay hydrated. Even though yoga is not a high-impact form of exercise, it is possible to experience some dehydration while working out. Dehydration can have a negative impact on you and your baby's health.

In addition to this, talk to your yoga instructor about modifications you can take during sessions to avoid hurting you and your baby. For instance, the instructor might recommend a different pose to prevent a fall. Pregnancy affects your balance and certain poses could increase your chances of falling.

It is important that you avoid pushing yourself while working out. If you become fatigued or experience pain, take a break for the day. If the discomfort continues, talk to your OB/GYN.

Prenatal yoga classes are an opportunity for you to prepare for your child's birth and interact with other soon-to-be mothers. Work with an instructor who has experience in prenatal yoga to get the most from it.