Yoga for pregnancy: Things you must know

Hey Shankara smaraharapramadhadhinatha
Mannodha saanmbhosasisoodaharathrisoolin
Sambho sugaprasavakruthbhavamedhayaloo
Shri mathrubhootha shiva paalayamaamnamosthe
This shloka means ‘Oh Lord Shiva, You who are the creator of the whole world, And who are equally the lord of all human beings, I'm invoking you, Please bestow your divine protection upon this lady.’
The bond between a mother and her baby starts as early as conception.The warmth of the mother’s womb nurtures the baby for nine months to make him strong to face the world. Did you know this connection of mind with the soul can grow stronger with the science of yoga?
Yoga is as scientific as any other form of exercise and that is the reason one can depend on it to stay healthy during the most important time of your life, pregnancy. “In our Hindu beliefs, pregnancy is considered as a dynamic phenomenon where the mother can transfer her energy to growing foetus. Yoga is a science which connects the body to mind to soul. Yoga is not only an exercise pattern, which increases blood flow in organs but also increases the flexibility of joints which is an essential part of a healthy pregnancy,” says Ragini Agrawal, Gynaecologist and Clinical Director, W-Hospital.
She adds further, “Yoga increases your core strength and stamina to tide over challenges of pregnancy changes. With growing foetus all systems of body undergo lots of changes. To accommodate growing foetus and effect of the placental hormones musculoskeletal system shows major changes which in turn impacts your body balance. Yoga improves your physical and emotional balance.”
The postures or asanas of yoga make the joints of body flexible for delivering the baby easily. “Yoga poses help you strengthen the hips, back, arms and shoulders. Yoga also can ease labor and delivery, with moves that relax the hip muscles and use gravity to your advantage. Through deep breathing, the nervous system goes into parasympathetic mode, which is responsible for relaxation. When your body is in that mode, all our systems function optimally resulting in good digestion, immunity and sleep,” says global holistic health guru Mickey Mehta.
When is the right time to start prenatal yoga?
It all depends on whether the mother had been practicing yoga before pregnancy. If not then introduce yourself to yoga very slowly. Dr. Ragini Agarwal plans it out all for you:

Is prenatal yoga safe?
A clearance from your doctor is very important before you start prenatal yoga. The most important lesson is to ‘listen to your body’. If it feels right, it will be safe. The moment you feel discomfort, stop immediately and consult your doctor. There could be postures that felt great before pregnancy but can nauseate you now. You just need to relax – this is the utmost motive of yoga.
Can there be any side effects of prenatal yoga?
“A clearance from your doctor is very important before you start prenatal yoga. The most important lesson is to ‘listen to your body’. If it feels right, it will be safe. The moment you feel discomfort, stop immediately and consult your doctor. There could be postures that felt great before pregnancy but can nauseate you now. You just need to relax – this is the utmost motive of yoga," says Mickey Mehta.
He suggests:
Stop exercising if you feel the following:
• Dizziness / Headache / Chest pain.
• Uneven or rapid heartbeat / shortness of breath
• Uterine contractions that continue after rest
• Vaginal bleeding / Fluid leakage
With increase in weight and larger belly, the centre of gravity moves backwards making balancing difficult for the expectant mother. This could lead to falls. One needs to be extremely careful and it is advisable that the asanas are performed in the observation of an expert.