Congratulations, mama, you’re pregnant! With fatigue and morning sickness, staying active may
be the last thing on your mind at the moment. But exercise might be just what you need to feel
better.
One of the best ways to get moving is to practice prenatal yoga. Here are seven benefits of
practicing yoga during your pregnancy.
What Is Prenatal Yoga?
Prenatal yoga is a style of yoga specifically designed to be safe for pregnant women. The idea
behind prenatal yoga is to help you physically and emotionally prepare during all stages of your
pregnancy for your baby’s arrival.
It’s good for you to stay active during your pregnancy – shoot for at least 30 minutes of low-
impact movement a day. Yoga can be the perfect way to engage your body and stay active
while pregnant. However, before starting, talk to your medical professional to get approval.
1. Have a Healthier Pregnancy
If you decide to practice yoga, you can have a healthier pregnancy. One study found that
mothers who did prenatal yoga had lowered risks of cesarean section, preterm delivery, and
fetal death. The researchers also learned that practicing yoga affected the child’s birth weight
and reduced the induction and duration of labor.
2. Improve Mental Health
All exercise can benefit your mental health because it lowers stress hormones and produces
endorphins. Researchers have also found yoga can increase the levels of a brain chemical called
gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), which decreases anxiety and improves your mood.
Meditation during prenatal yoga can also have positive effects by reducing activity in the brain’s
limbic system, which controls your emotional responses. When you meditate while practicing
yoga, you’ll learn to have a more balanced approach in stressful situations.
3. Provide Relief From Aches and Pains
Lower back pains, carpal tunnel syndrome, headaches, nausea, and insomnia are common
discomforts many pregnant women experiences. Exercise like prenatal yoga can stretch your
lower back and strengthen your muscles. Deep breathing during yoga helps bring oxygen to
your baby and circulates the blood throughout your body.
While you might not always feel up to exercising, you’ll notice your nausea or headache
symptoms diminishing when you practice mindfulness during yoga.
4. Enhance Your Labor and Delivery
Yoga can help you relax, lowering your stress levels during your pregnancy. Doing prenatal
yoga can also assist you as you prepare for your labor and delivery. It will help you trust your
body and stay calm amid fear or tension.
If you hope to deliver with no medicine, routinely doing prenatal yoga and mindful breathing
can prepare your body to relax and loosen. You’ll connect with your instincts and be ready to
give birth when the time comes.
5. Lower Your Blood Pressure
Studies have shown doing prenatal yoga can help you lower your blood pressure. Women who
might otherwise be at risk of pregnancy-induced hypertension or face high-stress levels at work
should consider starting a prenatal yoga class.
Mothers diagnosed with preeclampsia could consider adding prenatal yoga as an additional
therapy. One study showed regular yoga practice helped mothers lower their high blood
pressure levels associated with their preeclampsia diagnosis. However, before you add prenatal
yoga to your routine, talk to your medical professional.
6. Find a Support Group
When you routinely take yoga classes, you’ll get to know a group of other expectant mothers.
Prenatal yoga can help you find a supportive community of like-minded individuals before you
even become a mom.
Getting to share your experiences with other women will help alleviate some of your anxieties
about having a baby. You can discuss your birth plans, laugh about your crazy pregnancy
dreams, and share notes about the best childcare options in town.
7. Connect With Your Baby
When you contort into different poses, you’ll be mindful of the physical changes happening to
your body. As your pregnancy progresses, you’ll likely feel your baby strike a few yoga poses of
their own. Know that prenatal yoga is an excellent opportunity for you to connect with your
growing baby. Be mindful of changing your body and your developing child. As you breathe, put
a hand on your stomach and feel your infant move.
Try Prenatal Yoga Today
When you try prenatal yoga, you’ll begin to notice the benefits in your pregnancy. It will help
improve your mental health, lower your blood pressure, and relieve your aches and pains. You’ll
also connect with a group of other mothers and begin bonding with your baby. Start some yoga
today!