[Submitted Question]

I am confused. I have always heard that Yoga was great during pregnancy. Now someone told me that it could even be dangerous in pregnancy! Is that true? I was really hoping to continue with Yoga exercises right up till the end of this pregnancy.

[WombToBloom]

Yoga can be very beneficial for pregnant women — it helps you breathe and relax, which in turn can help you adjust to the physical demands of pregnancy, labor, birth, and motherhood.

It calms both mind and body, providing the physical and emotional stress relief your body needs throughout the experience of pregnancy. Taking a prenatal yoga class is also a great way to meet other moms-to-be and embark on this journey together.

You do need to take a few precautions, though: If you're attending a regular yoga class (one not specifically geared to pregnant women), be sure to tell the instructor you're pregnant, and which trimester you're in. Don't do any asanas (poses) on your back after the first trimester — it can reduce blood flow to the uterus.

Avoid poses that stretch the muscles too much, particularly the abdominals. You're more at risk for strains, pulls, and other injuries right now because the pregnancy hormone relaxin, which allows the uterus to expand, also softens connective tissue.

From the second trimester on — when your center of gravity really starts to shift — do any standing poses with your heel to the wall or use a chair for support, to avoid losing your balance and risking injury to yourself or your baby.

[Nicolexx]

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