YOGA IN PREGNANCY Yoga with its dictum of moderation and with its vision of a complete integrated human being has plenty to offer to a mother-to-be and a young mother.

Yoga in Pregnancy

For centuries, people have practiced yoga to stay fit and relieve the stress in their lives.

Practicing yoga during pregnancy can help you with both - staying fit and relieving stress during pregnancy.

Experts have noted that, during pregnancy, yoga—with the right adaptations — can help you bond with your unborn child, create an overall sense of calm and better prepare your body, mind and soul for childbirth and motherhood.

The word 'yoga' means 'union'. Through the physical postures of yoga, this union is of the attention of the mind and the awareness of the breath with the movements of the body.

Prenatal yoga provides a program of safe, gentle and effective exercises. Yoga postures are included to develop flexibility and strength and strengthens the abdominal, back and pelvic muscles, improves circulation, aids digestion, exercises the spine and increases overall comfort.

Yoga can also help alleviate many of the common aches and discomforts of pregnancy, such as constricted breathing, constipation, swelling, back pain, sciatica and insomnia.

Pregnancy yoga poses not only help prepare the body for giving birth, but also can be helpful during labor.

According to the American Yoga Association, there are more than 100 types of yoga. Many instructors, however, have developed programs specifically for pregnant moms who are looking for a way to stay physically fit and in touch with themselves as well as the life growing inside them.

The following sections will provide you with useful information for performing yoga during pregnancy ...  so get your yoga mat and get ready ...

1. Common Discomforts during Pregnancy
2. Food — The Fire of Life
3. Why Exercise?
4. Pre-natal Asanas
5. The 3 Trimesters
6. Pregnancy Parenthood and Yoga
7. You Need to Relax
8. The Way to Breathe
9. Labour of Love
10. Back into Shape
11. Post-natal Asanas
12. The Baby is Here
13. Helpful Tips for Breast Feeding
14. The Role of the Father
15. Parting Thoughts