Prenatal Yoga Classes

Prenatal Yoga Benefits

Since yoga is more than just an exercise – rather, it can be described as an approach to exercise – it focuses on different kinds of stretches, deep attention to breathing and the mind-body connection (or mental centering). Not only can doing prenatal yoga improve your sleep but it may help minimize your stress and anxiety levels during the weeks leading up to delivery. It can also help decrease lower back pain and nausea and bolster your strength and flexibility in the muscles used most during childbirth. For more possible benefits that prenatal yoga can provide during delivery, check out this article: Prenatal Yoga for Easier Delivery.

Not all the benefits are physical. Many women end up forming deep bonds with the other women during their prenatal yoga classes, which may help them deal with the stress associated with preparing for parenthood. Under the guidance of an experienced and certified instructor, the physical and emotional benefits of doing yoga during your pregnancy can be extremely beneficial.

Safety Guidelines For Prenatal Yoga

You should always take prenatal yoga classes taught by a certified prenatal yoga instructor. If you are taking general yoga classes, be sure to inform your yoga instructor that you are pregnant. Certain types of power yoga may be too strenuous, and it’s important to avoid hot yoga, as it can cause a dangerous increase in your body temperature while pregnant. In general, make sure you stay hydrated, don’t overexert yourself and speak with your provider. Finally, bend from the hips instead of the back, and don’t put pressure on the abdomen. Always speak with your yoga instructor for guidance if you’re unsure.