Prenatal yoga is a multifaceted approach to exercise that encourages stretching, mental clarity and focused breathing.
The first pillar of the WellNeith™️ Formula is Mindset
And the third pillar is Movement
Yoga is the bridge where these two pillars connect to form a powerful experience for the body, mind and spirit.
Mama Movements: Yoga Postures for the Pregnant Body is a prenatal yoga sequence created to help mamas feel comfortable, relaxed and fit during pregnancy while aiding in the reduction of pregnancy related complications.
"prenatal yoga is a multifaceted approach to exercise that encourages stretching, mental centering and focused breathing.." – Mayo Clinic
Benefits of Prenatal Yoga
There is a problem of reduced physical activity during pregnancy so much so that 60% of women become sedentary during this period. On the other hand, due to their lack of awareness about the benefits of exercise during pregnancy, women are reluctant to exercise. Exercise during pregnancy has a high priority in terms of health and care due to its benefits for the mother and fetus.
Exercise during pregnancy is one of the best ways to reduce pregnancy complications such as insomnia, feeling tired, excessive weight gain of mother, back and low back pain, pelvic pain, constipation, urinary incontinence, hypertension, gestational diabetes, depression, and anxiety. In addition, exercise increases individuals’ ability to adapt to activities related to infant care.
The list of prenatal yoga benefits will astound you but here are five of my all-time favorites.
#1 - Prenatal Yoga supports the changing pregnant body.
Stretching your muscles and strengthening your body in healthy, safe ways can help you adjust to the physical changes experienced during pregnancy. Toning the lower body in particular can help support your belly as it grows.
#2 - Prenatal yoga prepares you for labor and childbirth.
Yoga brings together physical movements (asanas), mental disciplines (meditation & yogic breathing) to achieve a peaceful body and mind. Everything I teach in prenatal yoga is preparation for labor and delivery. The yoga postures and deep breathing of meditation we use in class become second nature movements and breaths when mama is riding the waves of labor.
#3 - Prenatal yoga reduces the induction of labor, the episiotomy rupture and the duration of labor.
Studies show that yoga is a noninvasive, easy to learn mind-body medicine and complementary health practice, effective in alleviation of labor pain, increases normal vaginal delivery, shortens first stages of labor and improves overall birth outcome.
According to a review of 10 research studies, prenatal yoga lowers your chance of having pregnancy complications, your pain and stress levels, and possibly even your risk of having a baby who is small for his gestational age.
#4 - Prenatal yoga supports early connection with baby
Yoga during pregnancy allows pregnant women to make connections with their mind, body, soul, and fetus. Reports show that the deep mama/baby connection created throughout your yoga practice significantly lower abnormal birth weight, preterm delivery, intrauterine growth restriction, and gestational hypertension
#5 - Prenatal yoga brings new mamas together & creates community
Pregnancy and new motherhood is so much easier with a tribe of new mamas beside you. Even if you have family and friends close by, you still may desire connection with other mamas who share your experience. Taking a prenatal yoga class is a great way to connect with other pregnant mamas and to curate your new mama tribe.
Prenatal yoga is powerful
The benefits of yoga include a better physical growth, stronger and more flexible muscles and joints, and the reduced risks of preterm delivery, hypertension due to pregnancy, and intrauterine growth restriction. Yoga techniques are non-invasive and have fewer side effects and so far no study has reported the side effects or negative effects of yoga exercises on the physiological or psychological outcomes of pregnant mothers. Practicing yoga might seem like just stretching, but it can do much more for your body from the way you feel, look and move.
The yoga sequence in this video is safe for Beginners, Intermediate, and Advanced bodies.
Click HERE to book your private yoga classes and gain access to the full length video.
Video Credits:
Sacred Mama @druth20
Videographer @hillfordave
Director of Photography @deliciousdelectables
Makeup @q_paints & @camillearianemakeup