Yoga, Writing, & Meditation
Oct. 28, 2011
Yoga and Pregnancy Pregnancy is a natural part of life but ideally should be planned in advance. Women are supposed to prepare mentally, physically, and financially before deciding to have a child. The mother should eat nutritious foods and exercise in order to get the body ready for carrying a child. Pregnant women physically prepare through the practice of yoga. Discussed in the encyclopedia of advanced medicine it states that pregnant women can benefit from yoga. “Prenatal yoga can ease the discomforts of pregnancy, such as moodiness. Shortness of breath, and swollen ankles; can give women time to bond with their babies; and can help them prepare for the rigors and mysteries of labor” (“Yoga for Moms-To-Be”). Yoga can be used as a tool for these types of discomforts but also as a beneficial practice to spend time with their child. Pregnancy is split into three trimesters. During these trimesters the mother can partake in different techniques and poses. The first trimester, the first thirteen weeks, is a time that most expecting mothers have individual opinions on weather or not they will start a yoga practice throughout their pregnancy. The first trimester the woman usually experiences some level of nausea and fatigue. These setback discourage a lot of woman from beginning practice at time (“Ashtanga Yoga Practice During Pregnancy”). However, expecting mothers who have had a strong yoga practice prior to pregnancy should continue their practice with modifications of certain poses (“Ashtanga Yoga Practice During Pregnancy”). If the expecting mother has experienced a miscarriage or is porn to miscarriage she should practice during this time (“Ashtanga Yoga Practice During Pregnancy”). Women who have experienced miscarriages previously are at high risk of experiencing them again. Due to early implantation, the amniotic sac is becoming strong and embedding in the uterus. It is advised to avoid twist and jumps because these movements can threaten the implantation of the fetus and the placenta (“Yoga for Moms-To-Be”). The second trimester, the 14th through 28th week, is when most expecting mothers begin their practice because during this time the stomach is not to big and the mother usually feels comfortable doing almost everything (“Yoga for Moms-To-Be). During this trimester there is a lot of pressure placed on the lower back because of the added weight from the torso (“Tools for Teaching Prenatal Yoga”). As explained in the Yoga Journal article, “Yoga for Moms-To-Be” pregnancy is a natural low sugar state. “You’re using up your body’s sugar faster; important reserces are being used to support the placenta and fetus” (“Yoga for Moms-To-Be”). In another Yoga Journal article, “Tools for Teaching Prenatal Yoga” it is explained that blood pressure is lowered by hormones to accommodate extra fluids that supply the placenta. Low blood pressure can cause dizziness, and swelling (“Tools for Teaching Prenatal Yoga”). Debra Flashenberg, director of the Prenatal Yoga Center in New York City believes that teaching during this trimester is about alleviating discomfort (“Tools for Teaching Prenatal Yoga”). “I start the class by checking in with the students and sharing what their aches and pains are that day. I can work the class around this, and the students will leave feeling more refreshed and comfortable” (“Tools for Teaching Prenatal Yoga”). Yoga instructors like Debra Flashenberg encourage yoga students to talk about their feelings and pains which can increase confidence within each regnant mother knowing that they are not alone. During third trimester, the 29th through 40th week, the expecting mother will experience many changes in weight, breathing, and balance (“Yoga for Moms-To-Be”). The woman if needed can start using props such as a wall, chairs, blankets, and pillows to help keep her balanced and confident in each pose. During this trimester their is