Puma Yoga

Yoga and the first trimester

Whether you are about to become a mother for the first time, or have already had a baby, then you know the first three months of pregnancy are a time when you experience major changes in your body. Long before any physical changes get in the way of doing yoga poses, things feel different on the inside. This is the challenge of first trimester yoga--and the challenge that is at the core of any yoga practice: listening carefully to what your body is telling you. Here are some practical tips for maintaining or starting your yoga practice when you are pregnant.

Morning Sickness: If you’re experiencing nausea during the first few months of pregnancy, this is your body telling you to take it easy. If you have already been practicing yoga regularly, then give yourself permission to miss a few classes or take part in a less rigorous regimen for a while until you feel better.

Sharing the News with Others: While you might not feel comfortable telling everyone you are pregnant just yet, it is very important that you let your yoga instructor know. This way, your teacher can help you develop modifications to your poses and routine that will be helpful during the first few months of your pregnancy.

Home Practitioners: If you are practicing yoga at home, then it is wise for you to invest in a prenatal video designed to help you maintain your practice during your pregnancy. They are developed with you and your baby in mind.

Recommended Poses: For mothers-to-be, it is especially important to incorporate poses into your routine that help open your hips, and give you the flexibility you need to make the birthing process easier. Some “hip-opening” poses include: Pigeon, Warrior II, Triangle and Knee to Ankle. The Cat and Cow poses can also assist with positioning the baby inside the womb, preparing it for birth by helping to bring your baby’s head down and its back up against your belly.

Whether you are new to it or not, yoga is a gentle and spiritual form of exercise that can provide you and your new baby an opportunity to grow together in the healthiest possible way. Being mindfully aware as you practice your way to your baby’s birth can be an amazing experience that can help you bond with your baby while you maintain a healthy, joyful pregnancy.