Regular
exercise is always important, but what alternatives are available for safe exercise once you are pregnant?
Maintenance
of a regular yoga practice during pregnancy has been shown to yield many benefits for mother and baby throughout the pregnancy
and during delivery. Your OB-GYN may even recommend yoga for you – especially
if stress related complications have or are likely to develop during your pregnancy.
There are
special conditions that exist during the course of a regular yoga class that can be dangerous in early pregnancy. These include
heat, jarring and elevated heart rates. As the pregnancy progresses certain positions are unsafe for the baby and/ or physically
impossible for mother. For these reasons it is important to practice with a yoga instructor with special certification in
Prenatal / Post-partum Yoga. (Yes, even if you already had a regular yoga practice prior to getting pregnant)
Prenatal yoga classes are specifically designed to promote the safety and health of mother and
child from the start of the pregnancy through delivery. Focus is placed on preparing the body for the labor and delivery process.
Special attention and accommodations are made for the range of physical, emotional and social changes that develop in the
mother at various stages of this miraculous process.
Post-partum yoga classes help mother recover safely and completely– whether the delivery
was vaginally or by Caesarean. These classes reintroduce poses in a specific order that promotes healing and helps mom begin
to regain muscle tone and strength. Physical and emotional issues are addressed as mother adjusts to a new body and a new
lifestyle.
Expectant
mothers and new mothers have different goals and needs in a yoga class. For this
reason, Prenatal and Post-partum classes are offered separately. The separation promotes a safer and more personalized experience
for everyone.
Classes
require advance registration and are offered in six week cycles - class meets twice each week.
Physician
consent form required with registration
