• Skip to content
  • Skip to secondary menu
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer
  • Home
  • Shop ModernMom
  • Become An Insider

ModernMom

The premiere destination for moms

  • Parenting
    • Pregnancy
    • Baby
    • Kids
    • Tweens and Teens
    • ModernMom Monday Videos
  • Cooking
  • Living Healthy
    • Breast Cancer
    • Health & Fitness
    • Body after Baby
    • Beauty
    • Relationships
    • Love
  • Lifestyle
    • Crafts
    • At Home
    • Education
    • Travel
    • Pets
    • Decorate
    • Money
    • Brooke Burke
  • Celebrate
    • Holidays
      • Easter
      • Valentine’s Day
      • New Year’s
      • Christmas
      • Hanukah
      • Halloween
      • Thanksgiving
    • Birthdays
    • Parties
  • Must Have
  • Contests
  • Entertainment

Yoga Exercise During Pregnancy

May 26, 2010 by ModernMom Staff Leave a Comment

Yoga combines physical activity, breathing techniques and mental exercises to help strengthen muscles, tone and relax the body. Yoga’s origins date back more than 5,000 years ago. Yoga practice is enjoyed by men and women. Pregnant women in search of ways to work out during pregnancy many times opt for yoga, because there are a wide range of poses and practices to suit the needs of their bodies.

Refresh and Energize

Yoga is one way for both men and women to get a good workout. The benefits are even greater for pregnant women. Yoga can help reduce morning sickness and put you in a better mood. It’s also a great way to restore your energy so you are refreshed for a day at the office, an evening of preparing for the baby and spending quality time with your spouse. Yoga exercise during pregnancy teaches moms-to-be breathing techniques that are beneficial during labor.

Talk to Your Doctor

Before you sign up for a yoga class or pop in that new DVD, talk with your doctor about your workout plans. Your doctor can help you develop a healthy yoga exercise routine. He can also give you advice on warning signs that you are overexerting your body and help you identify poses that may not be suitable for your body.

Get the Proper Equipment

If you’re going to be a yogi mama, there are a few items you need before your first session. Comfortable clothes are important; try items like sweat pants, T-shirts and leggings. Whether you’re planning to do yoga at home or at a gym, you’ll need a mat to perform your movements. The mat will help keep your feet and hands from sliding as you go from move to move. It’s important to stay hydrated during your yoga workout, so keep a stainless steel water bottle in your workout area. Some yoga routines may require other equipment, such as bolsters, balls, wedges, straps or bricks. Preview your video or talk to your instructor to determine the equipment you need.

Safe Pregnancy Poses

Yoga offers poses and techniques that pregnant women can easily incorporate into their workout routines. The ABC of Yoga website notes that the mountain, triangle, warrior, standing side stretch, hero, fish, cat and tree are some of the yoga poses that can help pregnant women deal with symptoms and have easier deliveries.

Take Precaution

If you plan to do yoga exercise during pregnancy, take the necessary precautions to keep you and your baby safe. Listen to your body and stop if a move is causing discomfort. The Baby Center advises you to avoid yoga poses that require extensive use of your back or abdominal muscles to avoid muscle strain. Abstain from doing poses you didn’t do pre-pregnancy; save them for post-baby workouts. And while hot yoga classes may sound soothing and relaxing, the temperatures are not ideal for pregnant women.

Photo Credit

  • Yoga image by Yvonne Bogdanski from Fotolia.com

Comments

comments

Filed Under: Pregnancy

About ModernMom Staff

Reader Interactions

Primary Sidebar

Tell a friend

  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • Twitter
  • YouTube

Search

ModernMom Boutique

ModernMom TV

Featured

20 Things I Wish I Knew Before I Had Kids

After seeing and holding the newest member of our family … [Read More...] about 20 Things I Wish I Knew Before I Had Kids

Must Have

ToniBox

Meet Toniebox – A Loveable Storytime Friend For Your Kids

If you are looking for something to occupy your children … [Read More...] about Meet Toniebox – A Loveable Storytime Friend For Your Kids

Did you know?

diabetes in infants

Signs and Symptoms of Diabetes in Infants

Juice Vs. Concentrate

Juice Vs. Concentrate

Children Overcome a Fear of Water

How Do Children Overcome a Fear of Water?

Repair Scratches in Glass Tabletops

How to Repair Scratches in Glass Tabletops

Health Benefits of Drinking Kombucha

The Health Benefits of Drinking Kombucha

cooking with young children

Cooking With Young Children

How Soon After a C-Section Can I Get Pregnant Again?

Footer

  • About Us
  • Contact ModernMom
  • Advertise With Us
  • Press
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms of Use
  • Contributors

Copyright © 2021 Modern Mom. All Rights Reserved.

Reproduction of any portion of this website only at the express permission of Mom, Inc.

The information provided on ModernMom is for educational use only. It should not be used as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.