10 Reasons to Practice Prenatal Yoga

By Dr. Nutan Pakhare

Couples go through many changes during parenthood, which is an amazing phase of their relationship. Adaptations to lifestyle during pregnancy can cause nervousness, leading to unaddressed stress between the couple. Individuals coming from different backgrounds experience this situation differently.

Due to rising costs of higher education, health care, and standard of living, earning enough and more has become increasingly important. As a “ready couple”, both partners must prepare well and share the new responsibilities that come with the childbearing process. Their health becomes even more important during pregnancy, which is why yoga is so important.

Traditionally, yoga has been recommended for reducing stress levels in our lives. This age-old knowledge bank has a lot of tips for this essential stage of our lives- procreation. Today, prenatal yoga is well known as a safe and effective method of preparing the mind and body for pregnancy’s dramatic changes.

prenatal yoga teacher training


Here are a few reasons why you should take on prenatal yoga classes:

 
  1. Ensure the proper circulation of blood

As a result of prenatal yoga, a pregnant woman’s heart rate and blood pressure are balanced, which is especially helpful in reducing gestational hypertension during pregnancy. In order for the placenta and baby to receive proper blood and oxygen, the pregnant woman must have proper blood circulation. It is possible to develop anaemia during and after pregnancy, which will cause multiple complications for both women and their babies.

2. Development of a healthy baby

It is common for the growth and development of a baby to differ from month to month. For instance, cognitive neurons develop during the 6th month, and by the 7th month, all the features of the baby have been developed. 

Yoga practices for babies at different stages of development require different poses and chanting. For instance, mantra chants and AUM chants will help establish better connection between her mind and body in the 6th month and other poses like meditative poses will reinforce more the connection, practicing virabhadrasana in seventh month strengthens baby holistically.

3. Introduce Samskara to the womb

There is a crucial time in pregnancy for both mothers and babies. By practicing garbhasanskar i.e., instilling values and morals within the baby when he or she is in the womb, you can shape the baby’s character. A baby’s spiritual quotient can be improved during pregnancy by reading books or listening to positive talks, by chanting mantras, or by meditating.

4. Mama’s happy, baby’s happy!

As a result of practicing prenatal yoga, you will experience an emotional lift. These happy hormones will reach your placenta and your baby. Therefore, your baby will feel happy and content at the same time. The tranquilizing effect of endorphins can last up to 8 hours after practice, and your baby can also experience this.

5. An improved sleep quality

When pregnant, you may experience morning sickness, changes in temperature, and backaches which can greatly disrupt your sleep. Almost 55% of people found yoga improved their sleep in a national survey. You may need more sleep than usual. The practice of Bharamari pranayama, Ujjayi pranayama, Shashankasana with a bolster, and others helps you sleep deeper and better.

6. A well-toned body

A gentle stretch of the neck, shoulder, legs, etc., through Sukshma Vyayama (micro-circulation and movements) will allow you to stretch them fully. As a result of prenatal yoga, the muscles,ligaments and tendons become stronger, more flexible, and longer-lasting. Additionally, toning your muscles  will help you lose excess postpartum weight and reduce the chances of developing postnatal complications.

7. Getting ready for labor

You can prepare yourself better for birth by strengthening your pelvic floor, hips, and abdominal core muscles. 

The poses of Malasana and Bhadrasana prepare your body for vaginal delivery. When we are afraid, our muscles tighten up. Prenatal Yoga helps you relax your muscles, calm you in labor, especially if you want to minimize or eliminate medication during childbirth.

8. Connecting with babies

Yoga classes during pregnancy can help you connect with your baby inside the womb as he or she grows. As pregnancy progresses, our bodies change, and the way our bodies respond to yoga practices also changes. Establishing a strong bond with your baby inside your womb will be easier if you practice positive affirmations and visualizations.

9. Awareness of oneself

Practicing yoga will help you become more aware of yourself and to better understand your body and your baby. You will understand your body and your baby better through yoga.

10. Provides a safer environment

With prenatal yoga, there is a reduced risk of complications during pregnancy and postpartum. Pains like backaches, headaches, leg pains, and stress levels which can harm the baby are reduced as well. When you practice yoga poses like ardha-halasana with the support of a wall or chair, you can reduce conditions such as leg oedema to a certain extent.

As a final note, pregnancy yoga sessions are a great way to keep active and happy. Yoga is gentle and low impact, offering physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual benefits. Therefore, you should only practice prenatal yoga with a qualified and certified expert. In a yoga class, you should feel great for your mind, body, and spirit. We can also provide you with prenatal yoga classes.