Authentic Yoga

Studies have shown that prenatal yoga is able to help pregnant women cope with the series of hormonal changes during pregnancy. This helps the pregnant women cope with mood swings as well as the ‘morning sickness’.

In fact, it is now quite common for hospitals, clinics and yoga studios to offer prenatal yoga classes for the expecting mum. Prenatal yoga adds strength to the back muscles, buttocks, thighs and abdominal muscles. The pelvis must be maintained in the right position.

Prenatal yoga is usually conducted twice a week, usually around 30-45 minutes per session. Here are some useful tips if you plan to take up prenatal yoga.

• Do not over stretch and know your limits while practicing.

• Buy a good DVD on prenatal yoga if you have the basics. The fundamentals of yoga must be learnt properly in a center and practicing can be done at home.

• Yoga mats are excellent accessories when doing prenatal yoga. Make sure you get quality non-slip mats. This will give much comfort while practicing.

If you have the opportunity, try to enroll in an aqua yoga class. Water should be at chest level for doing aqua yoga. Props like foam noodles and floats can be used. Aqua yoga is an excellent way to relax the body and joint muscles. They relax body muscles and increase the flexibility of the pelvic muscles.

This will help prepare the pregnant women for a safe and natural child birth.