Changes during pregnancy that effect exercise
Finding ways to stay active can be challenging when you’re pregnant. This isn’t just because you feel heavier and need more rest. The changes in your body affect your ability to exercise. Prenatal yoga is a great way to keep moving, breathing, and staying connected to your changing body.
When a woman is pregnant, her heart beats faster, her blood volume increases, a hormone called relaxin causes ligament laxity, and her balance eventually suffers. The change in hormones doesn’t help either. These developments affect every pregnant person’s ability to exercise, no matter how active they may have been before.
While there are a handful of activities that help pregnant women keep moving and feel better, prenatal yoga is one of the best. Not only will it ensure you’re staying healthy, but it can also help prepare your body for labor and so much more.
There are many benefits to practicing prenatal yoga.
Improves sleep
One thing that can seem impossible during pregnancy is finding the ability to relax and rest. Prenatal yoga is one way to encourage your body to wind down and improve sleep quality.
Lowers pain levels
Prenatal yoga helps tone the muscles in your body. According to Parents, building and maintaining this will help minimize the aches and pains that come with pregnancy. This will also help your body heal after delivery regardless of whether you have a c-section or vaginal delivery.
Helps with labor
That’s right! Prenatal yoga can help ease the process of labor. Part of this comes from the decrease in stress and anxiety that yoga provides. These feelings are normal, especially during childbirth, so having a practice like prenatal yoga under your belt can help control these emotions when the time comes.
There is a range of breathing techniques taught to expecting parents before labor. Yoga is a calming practice that teaches breath regulation and mindful breathing. There is a clear connection here. If you spend the next few months practicing prenatal yoga, you will learn about breathing and how to control it during intense times like labor.
The labor benefits that result from prenatal yoga go beyond that. According to Mayo Clinic, prenatal yoga increases the strength and flexibility of the muscles used in childbirth. Practicing prenatal yoga will improve the endurance of these much-needed muscles.
Promotes the health of your baby
Studies have found a link between yoga and reducing the risk of pregnancy complications. Not only that, but prenatal yoga can help you connect with your baby. As you become more in tune with your body and the life growing within, the connection you have with your baby will grow. Through prenatal yoga, you will receive moments to focus on the baby, which is a true gift.
If you are considering taking up prenatal yoga, be sure to seek instruction from an educated instructor and tell them about your pregnancy. This will help ensure any unique needs you have are met. When done right, the many benefits of practicing prenatal yoga will help as you navigate your pregnancy journey.