Yoga and Pregnancy: Is It Safe?

pregnant-yoga — Sat, 21 May 2011 16:24:40 +0000

Yoga and Pregnancy Safety Concerns

Many pregnant women ask if yoga and pregnancy is safe. Some poses are and some aren’t. In general, yoga can relax you, helping remove some of the physical tension associated with being pregnant. The gentler yoga positions are usually safe, but don’t overdo it. It’s important to watch what you do.

As you progress from first trimester to second to third, your yoga movements will need to be adjusted. If you haven’t already got a copy of Summer Sander’s Pregnancy and Yoga workout video, get one. It shows the different types of poses you can safely do for each trimester.

A lot depends on what you are used to. If you already practice yoga, you may just have to scale back your workout. Did you know there is a prenatal yoga way of doing the sun salutation?

If on the other hand, you are new to yogic exercise, you want to go very gently into it and don’t do any of the positions like the ones below.

Yoga and Pregnancy Examples:

Don’t do any yoga positions on your back after the first trimester because they may cut off blood flow to the uterus.
Don’t stretch the ab muscles too much because you might strain.
Make sure you support yourself when doing standing poses to avoid falling and causing injury.
Try not to twist from the abdomen, but rather from the shoulders.
Pay attention to what your body is telling you. Avoid pushing your limits.

Don’t Do These Positions for Yoga and Pregnancy:

Headstand, handstand, camel pose, any kind of back bends, any poses where you have to stand one leg (unless you support yourself with a chair or wall), upward bow (see image below)

We got these safety tips from the article at the Baby Center Check out the full version about yoga and pregnancy.

Pregnancy Exercise Warmup Video

pregnant-yoga — Fri, 20 May 2011 19:20:30 +0000

Here’s a pregnancy exercise warm up video with movements to do before you do a prenatal yoga workout or other kind of fitness session. It’s always important to warm up before exercising even if you aren’t pregnant.

Pregnancy Yoga Video with Esther Eckhart and Jess Part 2

pregnant-yoga — Fri, 20 May 2011 14:27:50 +0000

Part 2 of the pregnancy yoga video from Esther Eckhart and Jess:

Pregnancy Yoga Video With Esther Ekhart and Jess

pregnant-yoga — Fri, 20 May 2011 14:24:27 +0000

Below you’ll find a very popular free pregnancy yoga video made by Esther Ekhart and Jess:

Pregnant Yoga Blog