Today motherhood is more complex than ever, with women attempting to juggle children, career, relationships and their own health, often even without the support of family or community. Yoga, however, can restore peace of mind and keep the body supple and toned, ready to welcome that important new little being into the world.
With the go-go-go attitude of modern-day women and our busy lifestyles, it makes it extremely difficult for mothers-to-be to take time off to rest, enjoy and focus on the pregnancy. One of the best ways to ease mood swings, fatigue, painful leg cramps, and breathing problems, aid a smoother and easier labour delivery, assist with post-natal recovery, as well as to create a little peace and space while you are pregnant, is pregnancy yoga.
In general, Hatha yoga teaches us to reconnect to our body and calm the body and mind with emotional stress relief. So, by practising yoga when pregnant you will get all these benefits as well as learn how to use your breathing during labour, connect with your baby growing within, and release happy hormones and endorphins to keep you energetic and positive. The aim of pregnancy yoga is to help the mother bring the baby into the world with minimum hassle and no health complications.
YOGA TIPS FOR EACH TRIMESTER
First trimester
If you are new to yoga, it is advisable not to start your yoga journey in the first trimester of your pregnancy. Give your body a chance to re-adjust before you start anything new. Utmost caution is paramount during this time.
If you are a regular yogi, be aware and accept that your practice will be very different, so make allowances to modify along the way.
Second trimester
Strong core work and deep twists are not advisable during pregnancy, so stick to gentle twists and focus on twisting from the middle and upper back rather than from your abdomen.
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Denne historien er fra July 2017-utgaven av Natural Medicine South Africa.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
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