Why yoga during Pregnancy?

by Hollie Swanton

Why Yoga during Pregnancy?

Yoga has a healing effect on the body, mind and spirit.  It stimulates the body’s innate response to heal itself.  Different asana (movement) and pranayama (breathing techniques) act on the body’s different systems, not only affecting the joints and muscles, but the respiratory, digestive, circulatory, nervous, immune, endocrine and reproductive systems.  This balances the subtle energies of mind and body, calms and steadies the nerves and dramatically reduces physical tension. 

Pregnancy Yoga can;

·Relieve tension in shoulders, back and neck. Due to the increased weight of the baby on the pelvis, the center of gravity causes extra forces on the spinal nerves and spinal curvature.

·Improves posture due to alleviate the spine and creating more mobility and stability in the spine.

·Improves general fitness. As the baby grows within our body, more energy and strength is needed to be able to carry the weight. Yoga helps to develop stamina/strength and is great for the cardiovascular system.

·Promotes relaxation and calms the nervous system. Through deep breathing, the nervous system goes into parasympathetic mode, which is responsible for relaxation. When our bodies are in that state, your digestion operates properly, you sleep better and your immune system is at it’s optimal. The calming practices are beneficial for the nervous and hormonal system and can alleviate anxiety. It can also help with pain management.

·Deep toning of the pelvic floor and core musculature. This will help facilitate birth and a faster recovery post partum.

·Improves balance and coordination. As the fetus grows, our center of gravity changes and balance is affected physically. The increase in progesterone and estrogen makes women feel tired and drained, so focusing holding and breathing through the poses enables them to fine tune balance, both physically and mentally.

·Alleviates common aches and pains of pregnancy. Yoga can help muscles cramp due to lengthening fascia and muscles. The inversions and movements can help with fluid retention and breathing, while rib mobility can help create space in the womb decreasing heartburn.

·Yoga can empower and consciously connect women to their labour and child bearing. The practice of yoga creates a feeling of being in control due to developing the mental and physical strength when in poses. Providing a time for acceptance if things don’t go to plan, which helps perspective when on and off the mat.

·Connection with others, tribe village of women.

·Yoga can be a meeting place, to create connection.

——————————————————————————————————————————-

If you feel that yoga would be right for you in your pregnancy - head here to see when the next class is running or contact Hollie directly on 0438 799 754 or hollieswantonot@gmail.com to see how you can find support for your pregnancy journey.