Yoga is magic. It releases GABA, dopamine, oxytocin, endorphins and serotonin which make you melt into a puddle of happiness after practicing. Instead of falling into the Tiger King trap during Covid I decided to get my yoga teacher certification because I truly believe yoga is medicine, as I myself am a practicing yogini. So while I can’t tell you who Carol Baskin is, I can tell you all the benefits of Baddah Konasana. I am very excited to be able to tell you not only the benefits of doing yoga while pregnant but also some poses that can just help your achy body feel better even for a moment. I practiced yoga through my entire pregnancy and I can honestly say, I never experienced aches or pains besides an unrelated displaced rib that didn’t have enough time to heal pre-pregnancy. I will say while yoga is beneficial, you should talk to your Dr. before starting any exercise program while pregnant. Lockdown wasn’t long enough for me to get my doctorate so I can only offer suggestions not actual medical advice.*
BENEFITS OF DOING YOGA WHILE PREGNANT:
Reduces Stress And Anxiety:
Ujjayi breath, also known as ocean breath, is what you practice during yoga. It’s how you connect your breath with the poses you perform during a flow. It’s perfect for labor because it releases tension through your body and lowers your anxiety levels. I know what you’re thinking, when you’re in the middle of a contraction the last thing you’re going to do is yoga breath. But hear me out, maybe give it a try and just curse me out the whole time, I won’t take it personally. To perform ujjayi breath first, breathe in slowly through your nose, expand your belly as your lungs fill up, breathe out through your nose and compress your stomach until all the air is out. Yoga also encourages relaxation, so as long as you’re not a beginner in an advanced class, like my sweet husband and cousins tried to do, you should feel really relaxed.
Improves Sleep:
Sleep while you can, they say. Well how are you supposed to sleep when you’re anxious, sore, and simply cannot get comfortable with a watermelon attached to your stomach? The answer is yoga.
Increases Strength:
Feeling clumsy? When you’re pregnant your center of gravity shifts since you have a watermelon attached to your stomach. Luckily for you, yoga can help build your strength and balance through holding poses and using your core. This also strengthens your pelvic floor which is important to have when you’re pushing out a human being.
Relieves Aches And Pains:
Pregnancy pillows, heat packs, Tylenol will anything stop the madness? Yoga will. Exercise in general is important in pregnancy but yoga also helps with headaches, back pain, fatigue, body aches, and nausea.
Connection With Baby:
At first I’ll admit I thought this was insane. How can I connect with a person who isn’t even here with me? I will not admit, I was the insane one for thinking I couldn’t connect with him. When you are on your mat you’re super in tune with your breathing and body awareness. This in turn can make you feel super close to your baby. It’s like your time to remember that no one will ever know your baby like you do at that moment. My baby actually liked to kick me during Savasana to let me know he was there!
Great Poses For Pregnancy:
Baddah Konasana (Bound Angle)
This is the perfect pose to relieve lower back pain/pressure especially if you sit up on a blanket or towel.
Marjaryasana/Bitilasana (Cat/Cow)
This pose is great for the back and abs. It helps both strengthen and stretch the muscles.
Malasana (Yogi Squat)
This pose not only helps to open up the hips it’s also a pose you can choose to use in labor.
Upavistha Konasana (Seated Forward Fold)
This is a deep stretch that’s perfect for inner thighs and lower back. It’s also a calming pose so it tells your body you are grounded and you are safe so that your body can truly relax.
Adho Mukha Svanasana (Down Dog)
This pose is an inversion which means your head is below your heart and your heart is below your hips. If you are feeling any lightheadedness or if you have heartburn you should avoid this pose. Otherwise it is a perfect pose to get a full stretch of the back of the body.
These were just some of the many benefits of doing yoga while pregnant as well as some amazing poses to help ease your sore body. I hope you enjoy them and get into a practice that you continue in your postpartum journey as well!
Namaste, mama!
xoxo, nikki
*I AM NOT A MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL! All information on this blog is for educational purposes only, and does not substitute for medical advice. Consult a medical professional or healthcare provider if you are seeking medical advice, diagnoses, or treatment. We are not responsible or liable for risks or issues associated with using or acting upon the information on our site.
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