When a woman first learns that she is pregnant, there is joy and excitement. Then the idea of giving birth to a healthy baby appears in the brain. No one said that carrying a baby for 9 months and then giving birth would be easy. This is why practicing yoga on a regular basis can help. The muscles will begin to tone, which also helps with balance and air circulation throughout the body. Additionally, yoga will also make the joints more flexible and less stiff as the pregnancy progresses.
Doing different yoga postures will help you learn to breathe properly and to relax. When you’re in the delivery room giving birth, your breathing is what you focus on between labor pains. The proper technique for pushing and breathing is the way the baby exits the uterus. However, if you start to panic and freak out, because this is your first little one, the whole process can be stopped. The body produces a chemical called oxytocin that helps in the birthing process. When oxytocin is not produced, it will take longer for the baby to appear.
To learn to focus your mind, relax and slow your heart rate, practice meditation. In fact, this will help you get through those intense moments as you start giving birth.
With a baby constantly growing in your stomach, you could throw it off balance if you lean back or even too far forward. It is recommended that you refrain from doing any of these poses during pregnancy.
It does not matter if you are just starting to make the investment positions or if you have been doing them for a long time, after the second quarter you will have to stop. Also remember to relax and there is no need to hold the pose forever.
With yoga there are some postures that are performed lying on your back. Some women will be comfortable doing this throughout their pregnancy. Be aware that when you are lying on your back for a period of time, the vena cava can start to act. This is one of the main veins that grabs the blood from the legs and carries it back to the heart. When the vein is affected, you will experience nausea, your breathing will become short, and you may become dizzy. It is not recommended that you do these exercises, especially if you are more than 20 weeks pregnant.
First trimester
It is always recommended to listen to the body while doing yoga. There are no restrictions yet, but the routine will eventually change.
Second trimester
The belly is starting to expand, which means you could easily lose your balance. So slow down and gradually go into yoga positions as your joints are loosening. Once in the pose, hold it for only a short period of time.
Trimester three
As your stomach expands, you will have a chance to lose your balance even more. It is recommended to place your heels against the wall for balance and to perform standing exercises.