Yoga carries with it the mantra to 'listen to your body.' Focusing on what your body can do, as opposed to your limitations, gives you more room for growth. By the third trimester of pregnancy your movements might be more much more limited, and uncomfortable. But do not distress if you are feeling more and more limited to your movements as the days toward birth go on; there are still plenty of things you can do for you, and your baby!
A prenatal yoga class is the best place for a pregnant woman, especially one who is in the second or third trimester, as these classes will be geared more toward the movements which are available to you, and your comfort. Of course every woman is different, and will be able to move in different ways throughout pregnancy! The important part is to keep safety and relaxation in mind while practicing yoga. All exercise, especially yoga, is a great form of stress relief, but it does not mean you have to be moving fast! Take your time with each pose, really focusing on syncing the breath with the movement. You will find in labor that awareness of the breath, and the ability to control your breathing is a very important tool.
As a yoga instructor, who teacher not only prenatal yoga, but general yoga classes as well, it has come to a point in my pregnancy where I have to ask myself, what is my body telling me? With six weeks left until the expected birth of my little one, I am more than aware of my limitations, and the need to 'slow down.' With my own, as well as little Valerie's safety in mind, I have decided that for the time being, it is best for me to leave behind teaching yoga, and again find myself solely in the place of the student.
Along with breathing meditations, a couple of the poses I will be doing to round out my final of the nine months are these:
Downward dog, modified, with hands against a wall or table/ chair. Step your feet back from the stationary object, so that your arms are outstretched; feet are about hips distance apart; lower your head so that your arms come along side your ears. Performing this move while standing will stretch shoulders, back, and hips with minimal strain.
Cobblers pose, still a favorite hip opener of mine, which is so important when preparing for birth. Start in a seated position with the soles of the feet together; clasp your hands around your feet and relax your shoulders. As you inhale, lift tall through the spine, and on the exhale bend forward, as far as comfortable and possible, you may even choose to bring your elbows down onto your legs, to push the knees further toward the floor.
It is not recommended that pregnant women hold poses too long, try taking about five deep breaths before transitioning out; you can always go back!
Wishing you all the best throughout your pregnancies, birth, and motherhood experiences!
Safe practicing mommies!
Peace- Dana
A prenatal yoga class is the best place for a pregnant woman, especially one who is in the second or third trimester, as these classes will be geared more toward the movements which are available to you, and your comfort. Of course every woman is different, and will be able to move in different ways throughout pregnancy! The important part is to keep safety and relaxation in mind while practicing yoga. All exercise, especially yoga, is a great form of stress relief, but it does not mean you have to be moving fast! Take your time with each pose, really focusing on syncing the breath with the movement. You will find in labor that awareness of the breath, and the ability to control your breathing is a very important tool.
As a yoga instructor, who teacher not only prenatal yoga, but general yoga classes as well, it has come to a point in my pregnancy where I have to ask myself, what is my body telling me? With six weeks left until the expected birth of my little one, I am more than aware of my limitations, and the need to 'slow down.' With my own, as well as little Valerie's safety in mind, I have decided that for the time being, it is best for me to leave behind teaching yoga, and again find myself solely in the place of the student.
Along with breathing meditations, a couple of the poses I will be doing to round out my final of the nine months are these:
Downward dog, modified, with hands against a wall or table/ chair. Step your feet back from the stationary object, so that your arms are outstretched; feet are about hips distance apart; lower your head so that your arms come along side your ears. Performing this move while standing will stretch shoulders, back, and hips with minimal strain.
Cobblers pose, still a favorite hip opener of mine, which is so important when preparing for birth. Start in a seated position with the soles of the feet together; clasp your hands around your feet and relax your shoulders. As you inhale, lift tall through the spine, and on the exhale bend forward, as far as comfortable and possible, you may even choose to bring your elbows down onto your legs, to push the knees further toward the floor.
It is not recommended that pregnant women hold poses too long, try taking about five deep breaths before transitioning out; you can always go back!
Wishing you all the best throughout your pregnancies, birth, and motherhood experiences!
Safe practicing mommies!
Peace- Dana