You have probably heard that yoga is good for you during pregnancy. What you heard is true. Although, yoga is not good for your pregnancy just for the reasons that you might find obvious, which is getting you to exercise. There are various other benefits, too.
In preparation for your journey to birth, yoga is much more than just a physical practice, it is a holistic approach to pregnancy and birth that will not just prepare your body, but also your mind, and spirit in this journey to birth. The word "yoga" itself comes from the Sanskrit word "yuj" which means to unite or join, referring to the union of the mind, body, and spirit. Yoga is not just about the physical postures, but also about the mindset and approach to your pregnancy.
Benefits of Yoga in Pregnancy:
1. Encourages Self-Awareness
One of the most important benefits of yoga is the emphasis on self-awareness. The practice of yoga encourages us to be present in the moment, to observe our thoughts and emotions, and to understand our patterns and habits. This self-awareness leads to a deeper understanding of ourselves and the world around us. The Sanskrit word for self-awareness is "svadhyaya". This directly relates to your pregnancy and birth. Both are a lot about mother's instincts, and her connection to her own body and the baby. By harnessing this connection more, with practise, one can learn to understand the body and its hidden messages better.
2. Encourages Discipline
Discipline is also a fundamental part of yoga that can help you in pregnancy. The practice of yoga requires discipline in terms of regular practice, but also in terms of learning to control our thoughts and emotions. The Sanskrit word for discipline is "abstinence" (niyama), which refers to the practice of self-control and self-regulation.
Even though pregnancy is not always the best time to do big changes to your lifestyle, and they often say to avoid starting anything new. You might still want to get more disciplined about changing little things, or habits. Perhaps practising your breath every day, or even just extra walk instead of watching your favourite TV show couple of times a week. In the process of birth, being disciplined will also take you long way. Whether it is to keep up the breathing, or keep you mentally going with the contractions or surges, if you start practising discipline early in your pregnancy, it will become your second nature during labour. 3. Reduces Stress
Not just the physical yoga, but also the meditation is a great way to clear your mind from worries and anxiety. In pregnancy, your worries can often feel become bigger and you can become more emotional than usual. Yoga, and meditation can help you managing with these feelings, and emotions, by allowing you to take more control of your mind. And if you struggle with meditation in the beginning, that is okay. It requires practise, and you will not see the effects overnight. Again with discipline and practise you will be amazed, about the difference it makes on your mental state. Especially in such a crucial stage of your life, your pregnancy and birth.
4. The Power of Breath
Doing breath exercises, in yoga referred as "Pranayama", will help you in pregnancy and birth. By breathing correctly, you will be able to focus on the present moment, rather than thinking about how long your labour will last. The breath will be able to calm you down, as it gets your nervous system to the state of relaxation. You will get more oxygen to the body so that you can conserve your energy better, as the labour tends to be a long process. If you learn to breathe correctly, you will go long way into managing your pain in your labour. And if you practise your breath during your pregnancy, it will become automatic during the process of birth.
5. And Finally Encourages Movement
The physical practice of yoga, also known as asana, plays an important role in the overall practice of yoga. The postures and movements help to still the mind and bring a sense of peace and balance to the body. The body is a reflection of the mind, and through the practice of asana, we can learn to listen to our bodies and understand the messages they are sending us.
In conclusion, yoga is not just about the physical practice, but about your overall mindset and approach to your pregnancy and birth. Yoga encourages self-awareness, discipline, reduces stress and encourages you to use your breath and keep moving. The physical practice of asana plays an important role in stilling the mind, however it is not the only way to get the benefits of yoga during the pregnancy. By incorporating meditation into your daily routine, you can improve your mental and emotional well-being during pregnancy. Yoga is not just a physical practice, it's a way of life, it's a way to cultivate inner peace, self-awareness, and the discipline to have a positive pregnancy and birth. Remember to always be kind to yourself and enjoy this journey of self-discovery during your pregnancy and birth.
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