Yoga While Pregnant?
Can you do yoga, and if so, what poses should you avoid?
Of course! Yoga is a great way to relax your mind and body during this very emotional time. It is also a great way to practice breathing techniques-very helpful for labor. All inverted yoga exercises, like downward dog, should be avoided during pregnancy. It is thought that being upside down may disorient the baby so that they don’t know which direction to face when it is time for delivery. Arching your back by stretching upward or back should also be avoided. Examples of this include the cobra or upward dog, and all forms of backbends. Avoid any exercises that crowd the uterus, such as prone exercises, seated forward bends, and the plow pose. Avoid any pose that requires too much twisting, balancing, or stretching to pain. After the first trimester DO NOT lay flat on your back.
Contraindication Warning Signs
1. Pain of any kind that suddenly comes on is to be taken seriously and participation in yoga class should be immediately stopped.
2. Uterine contractions occurring repetitively within a 15 minute period are less.
3. On the onset of any kind of bleeding in the vagina area or fluid leakage.
4. Sudden dizziness, shortness of breath and faintness indicate a need for immediate rest.
Avoid
1. Women should avoid exercising in the supine position after the first trimester. The supine position is responsible for a decreased cardiac output in pregnant woman.
2. Holding standing poses for prolonged periods of time. This can aggravate joint inflammation in the feet, ankles and knees during pregnancy.
3. Any exercises that could result in loss of balance causing potential harm to the fetus should be avoided. This should be applied especially during third trimester. Stability must be properly demonstrated before allowing practitioners to move into balancing poses.
Please see this link ... It gives a lot more details about yoga while pregnant. Things we dont always realize that are going on with our body or concerns forfetus http://www.yogacards.com/yoga/yoga-teacher-training/prenatal-yoga.html