Prenatal Yoga Practice
Top 10 Benefits of Yoga During Pregnancy
Did you know that people who are physically active during their pregnancy positively impact the health of their baby not only during pregnancy, but after the birth as well? We did! Here are our Top Ten reasons why prenatal yoga should be included in your pregnancy movement plan:
10. BUILD STRENGTH:
When you practice yoga, you are actively stretching your body through eccentric muscle contraction. This means that as you contract your muscles, they are actively lengthening. Eccentric strength promotes joint stability and functional strength. During pregnancy, building strength improves stability and can help you continue to perform daily tasks with ease!
9. RELIEVE ACHES & PAINS:
One of the most common complaints in pregnancy is low back pain caused by increased weight gain and postural changes. Prenatal yoga strengthens core muscles (low back, transverse abdominals, pelvic floor) and various different postures help promote space for you and your baby to be comfortable.
8. LEARN TO BREATHE:
Breathing exercises are incredibly helpful during pregnancy to minimize stress and relieve anxiety. During labour, breath control contributes to the reduction of pain and discomfort you experience. It’s also self-calming and enhances a sense of well-being during labour. Check out our Free Guide to Prenatal Breathing Mechanics to learn more about optimal breathing during pregnancy and labour.
7. IMPROVE BALANCE:
As your centre of gravity changes throughout pregnancy, balancing postures such as tree pose, can help you feel more comfortable with your body and how it moves. Standing poses, such as warrior, improve muscular strength in your lower body. Working on balance during pregnancy allows you to carry your baby comfortably and use more positions during birth.
6. RELIEVE ANXIETY:
With a special attention to breathing, calming music and gentle stretching, practicing prenatal yoga teaches you how to be in the moment and to tune out distracting messages. This is especially important during labour and delivery.
5. PREPARE FOR CHILDBIRTH:
Learn postures that prepare your body and the position of your baby for optimal delivery. There are also a number of postures that are helpful in progressing your labour when the time comes. A yoga instructor that’s certified in prenatal yoga will be able to guide you on these postures.
4. REST ON COMMAND:
Learning to quiet and calm your mind and body will greatly serve you during labour and delivery, as this ability will promote rest and reserve your energy in between contractions. After your baby is born, this skill will help you when your sleep schedule is feeling out of control.
3. BOND WITH YOUR BABY:
Practicing prenatal yoga creates a dedicated time for you to connect and tune in to your baby.
2. BUILD YOUR COMMUNITY
Meeting other people who are also experiencing the joys and challenges of pregnancy makes you feel more connected and supported. Learning from each other and participating in group discussion is also very helpful.
1. GAIN CONFIDENCE IN YOUR ABILITY TO GIVE BIRTH:
Practicing yoga during pregnancy can help you feel empowered about what your body is capable of doing. Guided relaxation exercises, mantras and words of wisdom can also remind you of your inner strength and that you are amazing!
Interested in joining us? Our classes are a great way to meet other new parents. Fitmama Strong Online has been operating classes online from our virtual studio since 2020. Our community is a thriving and welcoming space for you and your littles.
Grab our Prenatal Fitness & Yoga Guide for lots of info about pregnancy and exercise, including a prenatal fitness workout, prenatal yoga session and an evening wind-down stretch. We also offer our prenatal population on-demand workouts, that include fitness and yoga, specifically for the prenatal population.
If you’re new to Fitmama Strong Online, try one of our 3 Class Passes! You can use them at our postnatal Express Strong, Express Elevate and Express Flow classes. It doesn’t matter if your baby was born 6 weeks ago or 6 years ago, we have something for all postnatal members! Already been to Fitmama Strong classes? Grab a monthly membership and keep moving along with us:)
Finally, we offer in-person Stroller Fitness and Babywearing Fitness through our Durham Region and Ottawa locations. We can’t wait to have you join us!
We can’t wait for you to #startwithus and #growwithus. Find your Fitmama Strong Location!