Prenatal Yoga

[Sarah88]

I recently bought a prenatal yoga DVD, and did a session this morning. i'm not sure how I feel about it. The kegal exercises are good, but im unsure if doing yoga will helpany during labour and after the birth...
Has anyone had any experience with this and got some advice?

 

[Samantha675]

I have been practicing since I was about 15 weeks. I go to a class 2 days a week and have started practicing at home as well. I really feel that it makes me feel better physically. at 28 week my pelvis started hurting really badly, and so I stopped doing anything. Well this past week, I went back to class, and I really feel so much better. It helps things stay more flexible, and helps me to relax. I also think this will help me in labor. There are positions that I can assume during labor from yoga that will help me open up, and for me the big thing is the breathing. I have found it really helps me control my breathing, and that is so important during labor.

 

[Sarah88]

Oh righteo, cool. So would just a dvd also help then? I'm finding some of the poses hard as im not flexible at all, but i guess with practice i'll get there.

 

[Samantha675]

I don't know what DVD you have, but I have one by Shiva Rea called (amazingly enough) Prenatal Yoga. It is produced by Gaiam. It is really good, it follows a lot of what I have done in my classes, and there are different postures for each trimester.

Don't worry about being flexible, just do your best, and be careful not to over stretch. It is really easy to do when you are pregnant because of the hormone that our bodies release to loosen everything up for the accomodation of the baby. Now is not the time to push yourself.

I say go for the DVD, if you can make it to a class or two that is great, but the DVD will help.

 

[Sarah88]

LOL, funny you have that DVD. Thats the exact same one I have! Got it off ebay.

 

[Samantha675]

Cool. It is good. I agree that some of the first trimester stuff she does is a bit advanced if you have not done yoga before. Try going with the 2nd trimester stuff and see if it works better for you. I now use the chair.

 

[Sarah88]

Thanks for that. Good to know I've chosen a good one.

 

[Ann-Marie]

Well done you attempting yoga Makes me tired just thinkung of all those pretzel shapes.

If you've never done it before, just be careful, as all your ligaments are really soft, and you could end up pulling something. It can be beneficial though, stregthening your core muscles is a really good way of keeping the pelvis secure, especilly during pregnancy. I had to start doing Pilates type stretches and exercises after my last birth, as I split my pelvis in the birth. This time round, I've seen the physio already, and she has recommended I start them again ( I shouldn't really have stopped )

If you pelvis does get worse, ask for the mw to refer you to an obstetric physiotherapist.... they work wonders, and can watch over you exercise regime to make sure you don't over-do it

 

[Ann-Marie]

...... and I can't type this morning

 

[nikky0907]

I'm definitely gonna sign up for yoga classes when I'm further along and when my classes finish.
I hear that it's excellent for streching pains and that they can make the labor easier...

Ann Marie you really have problems with your pelvis!

 

[Ann-Marie]

..I know Sorry to keep preaching I just sympathise with anyone going through pelvic pain

 

[Samantha675]

I have been careful this past week with the poses, I avoid any squats or standing on one leg with positions. Oh the little joys of pregnancy.

 

[Sarah88]

Yeah, I just attempt what i can. Never been the type to try overstretch myself, im a softy for pain, lol. It is good though.