Importance of Physical Activity During Pregnancy

Pregnancy is one of the most beautiful experiences gifted to a woman. Yet this nine-month journey brings with it a variety of changes and emotions to juggle with. Yoga can help you cope with this journey, making it smooth and enjoyable!

Why do you need to exercise ?

Try to fit the exercises listed below into your daily routine. They will strengthen your muscles so that you can carry the extra weight of pregnancy. They'll also make joints stronger, improve circulation, ease backache and generally help you feel well.

Please read disclaimer before you follow

General physical care

1) Yoga postures can help ensure easier delivery. In the first trimester, opt for standing yoga postures as they help strengthen the leg muscles, improve circulation, increase energy and can also help reduce leg cramps.

2) Do not practice yoga poses that put pressure on the abdomen and difficult yoga postures during the advanced stages of pregnancy. Do not overstretch the abdomen; the emphasis of your twisting poses should be on the shoulders and the upper back and not on the abdomen. Avoid doing inversions. It is also not advised to practice yoga postures from the tenth through the fourteenth week of pregnancy.

3) Relax with breathing techniques. The second and third trimester is the time to relax so draw energy from breathing techniques such as Ujjayi pranayama (Victory Breath), Anulpm-vilom, and Bhramri (Bee Breath). They will help you deal with emotional changes and relax the mind completely.

4) Staying happy is the key. It is important for the baby too! Yoga and meditation will help you stay relaxed and cheerful. You can meditate on your own . Also, take time out to meet friends, watch a good comedy and listen to the soothing music of veena and flute.

5) Fix routine for meals, exercise and sleep. Set a daily schedule for yourself during pregnancy - pick a time that suits you and stick to it. Keep some time aside every day as ‘yoga and meditation time’! Go for daily morning walks, followed by some gentle exercise or a refreshing swim in the pool. Daily exercise has greater benefits in strengthening the body and mind rather than sporadic ventures. In the latter half of pregnancy, it may not be easy to sit or stand continuously. Listen to your body and only do as much as you comfortably can.

6) Sit with the back straight and chin up. As the baby grows bigger, its weight is felt more and more on the back and legs. To avoid back pain, it is a good idea to keep your spine, head and neck aligned. Attend to how you stand, sit or walk as every posture makes a difference. When you stand distribute your body weight equally on both feet. Check if you tend to lean more towards one side. Regular practice of yoga postures can help improve your posture and body balance.

7) Eat healthy. Lots of green leafy salads, fruits and water will keep constipation and cramps at bay. A light and easy to digest vegetarian diet is preferable. Consume plenty of yoghurt and milk to keep the calcium levels up.

8) Listen to ancient Sanskrit chants. Vibrations of chants are considered to have a positive and profound impact on the growing baby. It activates the subtle energy centers in your body producing a soothing, purifying and energizing effect. That's why chanting is often considered the yoga of sound.

PRECAUTIONS

•During the first trimester, simple standing poses are advisable as it helps to strengthen and tone the muscles of your legs. Along with this, stretching and breathing techniques are also practiced.

•It is advised to avoid poses which requires lying on the floor after the second trimester.

•During the second and last trimester, poses from seated hip stretches and prenatal sun salutations are recommended as it will give more flexibility and eases the childbirth process. However, it is important to take care not to overdo any of these workouts as that may lead to complications.

Disclaimer : All exercise should be done under guidance , SwasthLife does not hold responsible for any mishaps during exercises.

Thanks,

Tripti Khanna

www.swasthlife.com

OUR OTHER POSTS :