During pregnancy it is very important for the expecting mothers to be fit so that the baby stays fit and healthy. To be healthy, along with a good diet plan, one should also follow an exercise regime. This helps an expecting woman in coping with the physical and mental changes that her body undergoes during this period.
Yoga and meditation can prove to be a great help in keeping you mentally and physically fit. Yoga is a very old form of exercise that found its origin in India. It helps one maintain a perfect balance between the mind and body. The positions in yoga are called asanas. The most important thing that should be kept in mind while doing yoga is your breathing.
Yoga during pregnancy
Yoga is just like any other exercise. In fact, it is safer and powerful than most others. Pregnant women should be very careful while doing it. They should not overstretch and must avoid positions which are risky.
Yoga during pregnancy helps one reduce labor pain and other aches. It makes pregnant women stronger and adaptable to new conditions. Yoga also helps one to avoid gaining those extra kilos after delivery.
Importance of Yoga and Meditation during pregnancy
Yoga has a lot of benefits both during pregnancy as well as post pregnancy. Following are some of the benefits of yoga:
Stress Buster: Yoga and meditation is a great stress buster. During pregnancy you may undergo many stressful moments but with the help of yoga you will get peace of mind and be less stressed.
Maintains Weight : During pregnancy your diet includes lots of carbohydrates and fats. This may make you gain some extra kilos which can become really difficult to get rid off. With yoga you can maintain your weight and enjoy a good diet as well.
Complication free delivery: Studies have shown that women who perform yoga during pregnancy face fewer complications compared to the ones who do not perform yoga. Yoga relaxes your body and lessens the complications which might otherwise occur. It also decreases the pain that you might suffer from during child birth.
Increased Circulation: Yoga improves blood circulation of both the mother and the child. Proper blood circulation provides better nourishment to the child.
Stronger Pelvic: During pregnancy, as the uterus expands, it causes stress in the muscles of the pelvic area. These muscles can be strengthened with the help of yoga.
Relief from body cramps: Body cramps are very common during pregnancy. You may feel pain in your lower back, upper back, hips, chest, shoulders, neck, etc. because of the expanding uterus. By practicing yoga asanas and simple breathing exercises, you can get relief from such body pain.
Emotional boost-up: During pregnancy due to changes in hormones you may face many mood swings. Also your body goes through a lot and may cause you to feel stressed and dizzy. Yoga will boost your emotional balance and will help you manage your mood swings.
It is highly recommended that you do yoga and meditation as it is good for your mental, physical and emotional well being. It will calm you down and make you less anxious. And it will benefit both you and your baby.