Yoga is a popular exercise amongst pregnant women interested in maintaining their health and well-being throughout their pregnancy. Most women understand the importance of eating right and getting a little exercise while they’re pregnant, but it’s also important to reduce stressors and properly manage stress. Many accomplish this through yoga. Restorative yoga is a type of yoga practiced by many pregnant women because it’s a form of restful yoga that uses blocks, pillows, blankets and other props to put the body in certain yoga poses. Certain yoga poses may not be safe depending on the woman’s trimester, while others might be recommended.

Before you begin a yoga class, inform the instructor that you are pregnant. If you are practicing at your home, make sure you’re careful not to put yourself or your baby at risk of injury. During the first trimester you should be aware that your body is starting to produce greater levels of relaxin, which softens the ligaments to help prepare the body for a child. Overstretching is possible with the higher levels of relaxin, so be sure to avoid going too deep into your poses.

Try also to avoid any poses that involve twisting at the belly. Avoid jumping or hopping, and do not hold your breath. Poses that require you invert yourself or deep back bends should be avoided, too. Do not lie on your belly or your back, and try to avoid poses that work your abs. It’s also important that you do not try Bikram yoga, also called hot yoga. Read the rest of this entry »