One of the most beautiful experiences a mother can have is of having a baby. Pregnancy always brings joy, not only to the parents but also to the family and the loved ones around. But sometimes there are instances where the mother feels stressed out or apprehensive about this new phase of her life and it can become very overwhelming.
Yoga in the pre-natal stage is an excellent way to destress and can be a great way to remain fit. In addition to this doing prenatal yoga can be a great way to be ready for delivery and can be beneficial for the health of the baby.
Let’s discuss the benefits of enrolling for a prenatal yoga class from a registered prenatal yoga teacher.
The approach to exercise followed by prenatal yoga is multifaceted that lays a lot of emphasis on focused breathing, stretching, and centering mental health. It has been proven through research that prenatal yoga can be very beneficial for women who are pregnant as well as their babies and is also very safe.
Pre-natal yoga helps in reducing anxiety and stress, as well as help get a night of proper sleep. it also helps in reducing pain in the lower back, headaches, nausea, and assists in proper breathing. Prenatal yoga is a great way to improve the flexibility, strength, and endurance of muscles that are required for giving birth.
Joining a prenatal yoga class can also help you interact and make friends with other women who are expecting and help you how to cope with the anxiety of new parenthood.
A prenatal yoga class
There are many kinds of prenatal yoga classes. Before enrolling yourself in one it is important to be aware and enroll with a registered prenatal yoga teacher. When you are in a class, below are the exercises that you will be doing during a pre-natal yoga session.
Breathing Exercises
The instructor will encourage you to breathe in and out. This inhalation and exhalation should be done slow and deep through the nose. These techniques of breathing will be of great assistance when you feel short of breath and will also be beneficial during contractions while in labor.
Stretching Exercises
The prenatal yoga instructor will encourage you to stretch your neck, arms, and other parts of the body through various motions.
Postures
You will be required to move your body into various positions while sitting, standing, or while you are lying down on the floor. These different positions will help in developing your flexibility, balance, and strength.
During these exercises different props like cushions, belts, or blankets which will help in providing comfort and support.
Cooling Exercises
Before the yoga class comes to an end, there will be a cooling down session which will help you to relax muscles and bring your heart rate as well as breathing to normal. This can be done by chanting a word or mantra which will help in bringing peace and calmness to the mind.
You will also be told to concentrate on the way you breathe while paying attention to your thoughts, emotions, and sensations.
Yoga positions not appropriate for pregnant women
Doing yoga involves several styles and postures which vary in terms of flexibility and difficulty levels. While in pregnancy, restorative, Hatha, and prenatal yoga are considered to be the best when you decide to take a class with a registered prenatal yoga teacher and always remember to consult them beforehand sharing the important details of your pregnancy to avoid any complications as a result of the yoga exercises.
It is important to avoid postures that may apply pressure on the abdomen, back or stomach.
One of the yoga forms to avoid is hot yoga. This yoga consists of various difficult positions that are done in high-temperature rooms and are not apt for pregnant women.
Safety guidelines for prenatal yoga
Prenatal yoga is a great way to prepare yourself for the birth of your child but at the same time, there are safety guidelines that must be followed to protect the health of both yourself as well as of your baby.
Before enrolling yourself in a prenatal yoga class, ensure that you consult your gynecologist to avoid any complications. It is important to consume a lot of fluids and practice prenatal yoga in a room that is properly ventilated.
Don’t over-exert yourself while practicing yoga, you must always be slow and careful while practicing yoga exercises during your pregnancy and practice only those which are in your comfort zone. Make sure you involve your gynecologist throughout the journey.
Choosing a Class
It is very important to join a prenatal yoga training program that is taught by a certified instructor who has knowledge and experience of prenatal yoga. Prenatal yoga teacher training helps the trainer to know various techniques that are a mix of pranayama, asanas, and relaxation that are there to help guide a woman who is pregnant to help them with a balance of physical strength, mental strength, and self-awareness.
A registered prenatal yoga teacher knows that doing yoga in pregnancy can be a risk for women who are suffering from special conditions and must be guided with patience and calm. These women are not sick and it is the teacher’s responsibility to help them accept and balance the changes they are going through.
An online prenatal yoga teacher training course can help you learn more about how and what to teach the mothers to be and help them in their development phase in a time that is very challenging and at the same time beautiful.
A prenatal yoga teacher training will include yoga therapies for fertility and pregnancy, prenatal and postnatal yoga, preparation of labor and birth, and more. This course also includes skills to provide a safe and appropriate environment so that you can provide a proper class that is both comfortable and enjoyable for the pregnant ladies and full of confidence and expertise for you.
