Benefits and Basics of Prenatal Yoga

During your pregnancy, it is important to maintain a healthy lifestyle by staying active and exercising.  Yoga is one of the most effective methods of fitness and stress relief, but the discipline can help your mind, body, and spirit in other ways as well.

While pregnancy is recognized as the gift of a lifetime, the nine months can be very hard on your body.  Taking up yoga can alleviate some of the back pain, headaches, and other physical symptoms – and it can help relieve stress so you can sleep much easier.  The exercises tone many of your muscles by increasing their strength and flexibility, including the very muscles you will use during labour.

There are many yoga classes specifically catered for women expecting a baby, which is comforting if you have never taken up yoga before.  The instructors will focus on breathing, stretching, and relaxation – exercises that teach the mind and the body how to stay sharp and at the same time, help to relax.

As always, speak to your doctor before you begin prenatal yoga.  If you have been diagnosed with certain medical conditions, you may not be able to take part.