by Janice Clarfield
What is YOGA? The word yoga is translated from Sanskrit to mean union, that
is union of the body, mind and spirit. From a yogic point of view, life is
to be enjoyed and experienced fully. With pregnancy, there is more joy.
What is PREGNANCY YOGA? Pregnancy yoga is the nurturing activity undertaken
when time is spent (a little or a lot) to gently relax, release and attune
to your body and your rapidly growing baby within. The natural, vital and
restorative energies of the body and mind are enhanced through gentle yoga
postures.
When pregnant, one feels the strains of the ever-changing body, particularly
the new demands upon the back. Yoga work counterbalances the growing abdomen
and maintains good posture. Stretching while strengthening helps to release
the pelvic opening in preparation for birth. Toning the pelvic floor allows
for a more controlled birthing, lessens complications and enhances postnatal
healing.
Breath work is practiced in preparation for responding to labor by coordinating
with the rhythms of contractions. Breathing awareness is essential for relaxation,
comfort and confidence. Just being in your body that is home for two is a
yoga. Your pregnant body is naturally and miraculously in a state of enhanced
energy and creativity. Taking time to pause from the stream of day-to-day
activity to connect with your body enables you to experience and enjoy these
augmented senses.
With hormonal changes, emotions are also heightened. Whether they be in the
realm of joy or sorrow, love or anger, feelings may be experienced with surprising
depth and in rapidly changing rhythms. Noticing and allowing yourself to feel
your emotions fully has a positive effect on your health and therefore on
your baby's health too.
All women experience some fear of labor. A simple foundation in yoga prepares
you to face childbirth with courage. To be relaxed and confident during labor
reduces fear, tension and fatigue. Flexibility and calm ease the birthing
process, thus reducing pain and increasing the joy of giving birth.
While practicing yoga, your relationship with your baby deepens--physically,
mentally and spiritually. It is a time to be mindful that you are engaged
in the creation of new life, and to be attentive to the impact of this major
life passage. Taking time in this way allows the quickly passing nine months
to be cherished.
Even if you have never practiced yoga before, being pregnant can provide
the motivation for beginning this healthful practice which will hasten your
recovery, and that you can carry on long after your baby is born. You will
find that your practice will become a source of strength and love, during
and after pregnancy.
