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Pregnancy is a difficult period in a woman's life, especially in terms of the risk of injury sustained by the pregnant woman. If she gets hurt then it is not only she who gets hurt but also the baby inside her. Hence, she is expected to move gently and avoid all types of trouble. However, this excludes yoga exercises as they are good for both the mother and the child.
Performing prenatal yoga is highly recommended for pregnant women. It increase the supply of blood and oxygen to the yet unborn child. It is a great stress-buster even otherwise as well. However, it is beneficial only if performed safely. Hence, if you are pregnant and want to do yoga, here are a few precautions which you can take.
Wear Dresses that Increase Your Freedom of Movement
Pregnancy increases the size of your body and this becomes hindrance if you do yoga with your regular clothes on. Instead, have those clothes which increase the limit of your body movement. Wear clothes which are non-restrictive and lightweight. Also, try to avoid wearing socks as they may reduce the grip of the legs and thus make you fall.
Limit Poses Involving Lower Back
Once you are twelve weeks into your pregnancy it is important that you stop exercising on your backs. The reason why it is not recommended is because of the fact that exercising on the back can reduce the size of the vena cava, a vessel that ensures adequate supply of blood and oxygen to the fetus. Compression of this vessel is then fatal.
Have Abundant Energy inside Your Body
It is necessary that your body has an ample supply of energy. To build a store of energy to do yoga it is best that you eat a small carbohydrate-rich snack at least 30 minutes to an hour before the yoga session. This would ensure that your blood sugar levels do not fall dangerously. Also, keep yourself well-hydrated during the course of the class. Bring along a sipper filled with water and consume sufficient quantities of it.
Do not Push Your Body
Do not push your body beyond endurance levels. As a matter of fact, stop two-third way to that point. Do it only within a predefined zone of comfort. If you feel any discomfort do not hesitate to drop out of the pose. Stop immediately if you experience any of the following:
* Fever with temperatures above 100 degrees Fahrenheit
* Vaginal bleeding
* Vomiting more than a few times in an hour
* Dizziness or fainting
* Uterine contraction within an interval of 20 minutes or less
* Sudden blurred or dimmed vision
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