September 2005
Power Your Pregnancy with Yoga
Yoga May Help Reduce Stress and Pain, and Improve Sleep and Energy During Pregnancy.
by Lisa Maria
When Becky Sorenson found out she was pregnant with twins, she was thrilled. Thrilled until she went into preterm labor and had to be on bed rest for the last ten weeks of her pregnancy. She credits her yoga practice with getting her through that tough time. “Yoga gave me the tools to focus my attention, turn to my breathing and find some peace.”
Yoga is rapidly becoming the leading exercise choice for pregnant women because of its many positive effects and low risk of injury. Research indicates that yoga increases strength, flexibility, and balance. Yoga may reduce stress, lower blood pressure, relieve mild forms of depression, improve sleep, and increase energy levels. In addition, certain yogic breathing techniques can be effective in increasing oxygen flow to the baby. Yoga is found to be helpful during labor to reduce tension, relax the hips and pelvis, and instill calm and confidence, making delivery easier for the mom-to-be.
Dr. Stephen Bearg of Women’s Medical Associates in Marin County, California recommends yoga to nearly all of his patients. “There’s a lot of discomfort during the pregnancy process that can be avoided by doing yoga, including constipation and varicose veins, as well as aches and pains in the back… I also believe yoga will prepare them for an easier labor. Yoga helps with flexibility and the mental preparation for labor involves flexibility of the mind.”
An ancient system of self-realization, yoga has a powerful effect on physical health and well-being. The physical postures (asanas), breathing exercises (pranayama), and meditation practices (dhyana) can be of immense benefit to the student, especially if there’s a little one growing inside of her. Becky’s prenatal yoga practice included all of these elements. “I felt more aware of the physical changes [and] emotionally more connected…to life more than ever. And spiritually, I felt a greater sense of peace and well-being.”
It’s important to find a yoga class designed for pregnancy, as some yoga postures may be difficult or dangerous to do during pregnancy. Experts recommend getting your doctor’s or midwife’s consent before starting a yoga class, then locating a prenatal class with an instructor specifically trained to teach pregnant women. “For anyone who’s trying to prepare themselves for pregnancy, prenatal yoga would benefit them greatly,” says Dr. Bearg.
Ready to change your body back after delivery? Becky was emotionally and physically weakened by long-term bed rest, a cesarean section and weight gain. “My yoga practice gave me the fitness, stamina and fortitude I needed to hang in there and later to get back into physical shape.”
Dr. Bearg agrees, “I think for when you want to change your body back…yoga is a wonderful way to go. It’s something I really believe in and practice diligently. Yoga…it works!”
Lisa Maria is a writer and teaches yoga at Yoga Studio and Yoga Garden.
Recommend this page to a friend
Top Ten pages recommended to friends:
