Prenatal Yoga can be a relaxing, wonderful time special closeness between mother and child. More than that, devoting time to practice during pregnancy, nine months and then can have great benefits for both mother and child.
A controlled study of Swami Vivekananda Yoga Anusandhana Samsthana (SVYASA-Vivekananda Yoga Research Foundation), 2005, 335 women, between 18 and 20 weeks of pregnancy, were held in Bangalore, India. Women in the test group and control group, were matched for age, body weight and General fetal status. The group assigned to Yoga, practiced complete physical postures, breathing and meditation-one hour each day from the date of entry into the study, up to the point of delivery. The control group walked 30 minutes, twice a day, during the period of study.
At the end of the investigation it was found that infants in Group Yoga had a considerably higher birth weight. As manpower was considerably lower and complications, as isolated intrauterine growth retardation and pregnancy-induced hypertension, was also significantly lower in the Group Yoga.
Another randomized study 2008, using data from 74 Thai women, showed that those who practiced Yoga, six times during pregnancy, experienced higher levels of the mother’s comfort during work, and for two hours post labor and experienced less perceived labour pain than the control group. Group Yoga were found to have a shorter duration of the first phase of the work force, as well as the total time to work.
Subjectively, it seems many women that Yoga helps increase stamina, flexibility and overall comfort, during and after pregnancy. Backache, sciatica, swelling, wrist pain, hip discomfort and nausea, relieves of Yoga. Respiration and focus during Yoga can assist during childbirth and regular practice helps tone abdominal muscles for faster delivery.
Some people believe, however, that because Yoga is an exercise in low power, are not at risk during pregnancy. As I have written earlier: an experienced and trained teacher in a specialized class for pregnant students, must monitor the prenatal Yoga sessions. Some asnas is contraindicated in any stage of pregnancy. As more and more OB/GYNs and midwives encourage women to reap the benefits of Yoga during pregnancy, it is our responsibility as instructors to see that the students to practice safely. We must contribute to good results for everyone. About Yoga teachers do not have prenatal specialist training, should he or she be pregnant students certified prenatal Yoga teacher specialist.
© Copyright 2011-Aura Wellness Center-Publications Division
Paul Jerard, E-RYT 500, has written many books on yoga. He is a shareholder and Director of Yoga teacher training at: Aura Wellness Center, in Attleboro, Massachusetts, MA. Since 1995 he has been certified Master Yoga teachers. To get free Yoga videos, podcasts, books, reports and articles about Yoga, visit: http://www.yoga-teacher-training.org/
Women need to take special care while pregnant but that doesn’t mean they wont do any sort of work outs.I think doing light exercise like yoga, etc make them healthy and fresh.