Yeah for Yoga
Yoga can be a great exercise for flexibility, relaxation, muscle tone, posture, balance, breathing control, and developing concentration. All of these factors can help during pregnancy and again during delivery. Yoga combined with a low-impact cardiovascular exercise such as walking can round out a great exercise program. You can join a pregnancy yoga class or pick up a video specifically made for pregnant women. If you have never tried yoga before, be sure to start at the beginners' level. Yoga can be done at all different intensity levels, but while you are pregnant, you should concentrate on poses that are soothing, gentle, and fun. You want to make sure you avoid supine positions, or positions on your back, after the third month. After your belly begins to grow, avoid positions that have you lying face down. As with any exercise program, consult with your doctor before you begin.
Fact: One of the essentials of yoga is breathing. In yoga you learn to breathe fully by taking in air slowly through the nose, filling your lungs entirely, and exhaling completely. Learning how to master this type of breathing can be twofold, helping you to prepare for labor and delivery.
When taking a yoga class, look for an instructor who is specially trained in prenatal yoga. Some yoga moves can be tricky, so if you feel pain or discomfort, make needed adjustments. Do not hold poses for too long, and move into and out of yoga positions slowly and carefully to avoid any injury or lightheadedness. As you become larger in your third trimester, use a chair or other sturdy prop for support to avoid losing your balance. Equipment such as blocks and straps can help you to more easily move through different poses with better stability. Avoid poses that are difficult and that you may not be familiar with as well as those that stretch the abdominal muscles too much. It is important to be extra careful because you are more prone to tearing and/or straining muscles and ligaments while pregnant.