Yoga and Pregnancy

Yoga is on of the oldest physical exercises and practices known to man.  It helps to relax the mind, tone the body, and promotes a release of stress and encourages relaxation.  The movements of yoga including breathing, posture, relaxation and meditation help to bring a healthy and balanced approach to life.  Yoga encourages harmony and balance and can be a wonderful practice for a woman how is expecting.

Studies have compared an hour of prenatal yoga daily to hour of brisk walking and found that the women who performed yoga were more likely to have an baby of ideal weight, and were less likely to develop hypertension that the women who walked an hour a day.

Another similar study examined women who had complicated pregnancies that had already been diagnosed with abnormal blood flow through the umbilical and uterine arteries.  This condition increases the risk of babies being delivered too small.  This study also showed that the group who practiced yoga regularly was more likely to have a normal weight baby than those who walked for the same amount of time.

Just like any exercise, it is wise to see your health care practitioner before starting a new program.