Baby on
the way? Congratulations! It must be challenging to put a finger on those
changing feelings. Excitement, happiness, uncertainty, scared, overwhelmed, all
at the same time. It’s confusing, isn’t it? The kicks are delightful, but the
cramps are unbearable. You might be glowing with happiness and all that extra
energy (wait for the second trimester) one minute and overwhelmed by emotions the
next. While many have tried, but no one person could quite explain the feeling
of having a life growing inside of you. There are mood swings, hormonal
changes, weight gain, and so much more you’ll have to prepare for during your
pregnancy. And that is where a prenatal yoga class in Delhi NCR can be a godsend for you during those 9 months.
Now the question on all of your minds.
Is it
even safe to practice yoga during pregnancy?
First and
foremost, yoga is not just about the flexibility and twisting and turning your
body. In fact, if done correctly and under the right supervision, prenatal yoga
can be extremely beneficial for pregnant moms-to-be. Since yoga during
pregnancy focuses more on relaxing and calming techniques by using various
breathing exercises, this can help prepare you for the physical and emotional
changes about to occur during pregnancy like labor, birth, and motherhood.
Yoga
relaxes the mind and body, providing the physical and emotional stress relief
your body needs throughout pregnancy. A lot of women are known to practice
prenatal yoga to increase their chances of a normal delivery.
Prenatal Yoga for Every Trimester
Just like
any other form of exercise, prenatal yoga is tailored according to each
trimester. Why? Well, no one trimester is the same. With each trimester your
baby and the bump grows. And to accommodate that, every asana needs to be
tailored to your trimester. Here’s how.
First trimester
Once you
get to know your due date, check in with your gynae about any restrictions or
precautions that you must take before you head to join your prenatal yoga
class. Next, step, find an instructor with prenatal yoga experience and check
for references. As for the asanas, there generally aren’t too many restrictions
during the first trimester, but it’s probably best to take it slow and not push
your limits, especially if you weren’t into exercising before.
Second trimester
Keep
track of the changes occurring in your body and the shifting sense of balance.
Don’t rush the asanas, move more slowly, and don’t hold poses for a more
extended period if they are comfortable. Pro tip - Start using a wedge or
pillow to raise your upper body when lying down, you’ll thank us later!
Third trimester
Okay, the
third trimester is the time for you to be real cautious, take precautions and
take it nice and easy. As your center of gravity shifts, therefore, it’s a good
idea to do balancing poses against a wall or use a chair to support yourself.
You can also use blocks or straps for added stability. Remember, take it slow,
and don’t hold poses very long.
Now,
those were a few trimester-specific tips to keep while practicing prenatal yoga
for first-timers. But the need for precaution doesn’t stop there, so, here are
a few more generic need-to-know to ensure that you get the best out of your
prenatal yoga classes in Delhi NCR
Firstly, we would recommend
that you search for a certified yoga instructor providing excellent prenatal
yoga classes in Delhi NCR. As pregnancy is not something to be taken lightly
and therefore, you need all the expertise you can get.
Next tip - as soon as you
finish your second trimester, your body’s centre of gravity shifts. So, make
sure that you use some form of additional support for asanas that involve
balancing on your heels or toes.
Third – In every asana that you
bend forward, hinge from your hips, leading with your breastbone and extend the
spine from the top of your head to the tailbone. This technique will make
breathing easier for you as it allows the ribs more space to move.
Fourth – Ensure that you keep
the pelvis in a neutral position during the asanas by using the abdominal
muscles and slightly tucking the tailbone down. This can help in preventing and
reducing sciatic pain that a lot of women are said to suffer from during
pregnancy.
Fifth – While practicing asanas
that involve turning around, make sure to twist more from your shoulders and
the back rather than turning your waist. This will avoid unnecessary pressure
on your bump and keep you relaxed. Another pointer, do not make any sudden
moves or deep twists.
Prenatal
yoga during pregnancy not only makes sure that you stay healthy during this
period but also helps ease labor, and aids recovery post delivery. What’s more,
exercising during pregnancy is said to be beneficial for the baby’s health too!
So what
are you waiting for?
Sign up
for a prenatal yoga class in Delhi NCR and get the numerous benefits it has to
offer.