To Do Or Not To Do - Prenatal Yoga?

I have been asked the above question loads of times, 'to-do-or-not-to-do' Prenatal Yoga -- sometimes by anxious moms-to-be, by scared dads-to-be or 'I-will-let-u-know-what-I-think-about-it' Moms-in-law!!

I believe the doubts exist due to lack of information about the benefits of practicing Yoga during pregnancy and after. So I decided to blog about these questions and present some answers which I have understood and taught over the past years.

Hatha Yoga practice is a comprehensive system which can reduce stress, increase flexibility, promote strength, heighten cardiovascular conditioning, lower blood pressure, strengthen bones, foster psychological equanimity and promote spiritual well-being.

Hatha Yoga is a series of practices that allow the student to steadily gain discipline, strength and self-control while cultivating relaxation, awareness and equanimity. Hence Yoga is an ideal preparation for moms-to-be which helps them be more present during the prenatal period, during labor, birth and postpartum. 

In Prenatal Yoga classes, all the poses or Asanas are modified to suit the expectant mothers. The attention of the mind and the awareness of the breath are added to the asanas (movements) of the body. Here, the body is eased into alignment with the breath, and then the pose is held quietly until the mind and body are in tune. Performing Yoga movements in this way creates a state of calmness within the mom-to-be and she experiences peace and ease with the process of pregnancy.

Consistent Yoga practice during pregnancy reduces general fatigue, relieves back pain, gently stretches the inner thigh muscles in preparation for labor, reduces the symptoms of morning sickness and reduces water retention in the body. Every yoga class consists of Asanas, followed by Pranayama(Breathing) practices ending with a brief meditation or Shavasana ( Still Pose).

I believe this system really works for women who want to be pro-active about their health, who want to ask questions, find out answers, believe in their inherent freedom to have an opinion about their physical, emotional and spiritual bodies during pregnancy and after. This kind of thinking does go beyond the box with openness regarding the whole process of being pregnant, enjoying the momentous occasion of bringing a 'New Life' into this world and figuring out answers to all the questions, some small and some big...

I hope this will help clear up some of the doubts which you may be having..but, be assured, more doubts are stirring in the mind right now!!
That is good, because  I believe, a questioning mind is an 'Awake' mind, not accepting opinions as truths, but finding out answers for oneself is a sign of intelligence and growth!!

Until we meet again, with questions and answers,
In Peace,
Asha