Finding out that you’re expecting a child is an all-consuming emotional experience — and that might be putting it mildly. Moms-to-be feel boundless joy and intense excitement, along with waves of uncertainty and fear. It all can seem like too much sometimes!
Taking care of your body during pregnancy is obviously crucial, but it’s also very important for an expectant mother to focus on her mental health. Did you know that you can strengthen your body, reduce stress, and maintain a sense of balance and calm by practicing prenatal yoga?
In this post, we will highlight some key reasons why a prenatal yoga practice might be the perfect complement to a peaceful pregnancy. So, once you’ve received the wonderful news and have started bonding with your unborn child with one of our 4D ultrasound videos, slip on some comfortable clothes and unroll your yoga mat. Let’s begin!
What Are the Benefits of Prenatal Yoga?
Yoga is a safe, low-impact, low-intensity form of exercise that builds lean muscle and increases flexibility while focusing on mindfulness and breathing patterns. In a yoga practice, all are encouraged to move at their own pace, making it a great workout for all different shapes, sizes, and fitness levels.
Any woman who has experienced childbirth will tell you that it takes strength, flexibility, endurance, and breath control to make it through the delivery process. Yoga helps with all four.
With its constant emphasis on breathing as a way to quiet the mind, yoga also helps to relieve stress and anxiety. It can aid in more restful sleep and ease pain throughout the body — particularly in the lower back.
For some women, yoga may also be helpful in relieving the symptoms of morning sickness.
How Safe is Prenatal Yoga?
Practiced with a trained instructor who is in tune with your specific needs, prenatal yoga is completely safe. In fact, many yoga studios offer classes specifically designed for expectant mothers.
A typical prenatal yoga practice will include breathing exercises, gentle stretches, a series of postures that can be performed with props to provide additional support and balance, and a relaxing cool-down. As we mentioned earlier, the practice can be done at your own pace, taking as many breaks as you need throughout.
Consult your physician before beginning any exercise program, and be sure to set realistic goals for yourself in your chosen activity, whether it’s prenatal yoga, strength training, aqua aerobics, or daily walks around your neighborhood.
At Fetal Vision Imaging, we help celebrate — and take some of the uncertainty out of — the early stages of pregnancy. Contact us for more information about our high-definition 12-week ultrasound videos or to schedule an appointment today.
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