Do power yoga and conception mix?

Yoga is one of the only exercise disciplines that truly works the entire person. The poses, breath work and mindfulness required for a well rounded practice coaxes the mind, spirit and body to work together. It’s little wonder then, that Yoga has become a popular option for women exercising during pregnancy.

When a person begins to experiment with yoga, they are usually surprised to see the many different branches offered. Hatha is the most gentle of yoga philosophies and is usually the recommended yoga for pregnant women because of the ease of the poses.

If you are more inclined to intense exercise, you may find yourself drawn to Ashtanga, or Power Yoga. However, if you are looking to conceive or are already pregnant, you must be aware of the contraindications of this Yoga style before starting your practice. When you are trying to start a family, there is no reason for you to alter your regular exercise routine. Conception is not affected by exercise unless you are over exerting yourself or are at a dangerously low body weight. Because of this, you may continue your Ashtanga yoga without worry. Studies have shown that yoga can be of great benefit when trying to conceive as it lowers stress and creates a strong inner awareness of your body and mind. Enjoy your intense practice while you can!

After a pregnancy is confirmed, you must stop all yoga practices until the sixth week of gestation. The weeks before this point are very delicate as the placenta is being constructed and must attach firmly to the uterus. Vigorous twists and back bends can have a disastrous affect and should be avoided at all costs. If you have had miscarriages or other complications in the past, your doctor may recommend stopping your practice entirely until after your baby is born. If not, consider joining a prenatal yoga group for the duration of your pregnancy. These classes are adapted to a woman’s changing body and are much gentler, helping to relieve common pregnancy complaints. Many women find the slower pace to be very comforting as their bodies and minds experience the roller coaster of pregnancy.

The most important thing to bring to your yoga practice during pregnancy is awareness of your own limitations. Listen to what your body is telling you. If you experience any unpleasant sensations such as breathlessness or vertigo, stop immediately and seek medical attention. Otherwise, keep your core temperature down and drink lots of water. Yoga teaches you to respect your body and there is no better time to do so than when you are constructing another living being.

No related posts.