EMBRACING PRENATAL YOGADr. Peter McIlveen, OB/GYN

FOR THOSE WHO UPHOLD AN ACTIVE

LIFESTYLEremaining active while pregnant is key, as it’s

been shown that active women more easily adapt to pregnancy than their out-of-shape peers

➤ Carrying the weight gain during pregnancy is more manageable

➤ The physical demands of labor and birth will be better prepared for

➤ Getting in shape post-pregnancy will be a more attainable goal.

Even if you weren’t active before pregnancy, participating in more gentle exercise designed for pregnancy, such as pregnancy Pilates or an aqua-natal class, can be beneficial if safety guidelines are adhered to and your OB/GYN or midwife gives you the green light.

You’ll find you’re more energized, happier, well-rested and less susceptible to back and muscle pains related to pregnancy as well as pregnancy complications

ONE OF THE MOST POPULAR FORMS OF EXERCISE DESIGNED

SPECIFICALLY FOR THOSE WITH-CHILD IS PRENATAL YOGA

Moms-to-be who practice prenatal yoga have found that the exercise helps in maintaining

flexibility and muscle tone as well as developing crucial breathing techniques that will help during

labor

CERTAIN POSES HAVE BEEN ADVISED AGAINST FOR YEARS

➤ Specifically those that require pregnant yogis to lie on their backs or hold an inversion position

➤ It was understood that these poses could reduce circulation to the fetus and contribute to a spike in fetal heart rate

➤ HOWEVER, studies have shown this isn’t the case!

➤ Women who have performed these poses later in their third trimester have demonstrated no adverse changes in maternal or fetal wellbeing

YOGA POSES THAT ARE NOW SAFE FOR PREGNANT PRACTITIONERS INCLUDE:

CORPSE POSE

which is a resting pose performed typically at the

conclusion of your practice, where the practitioner lies

flat on their back with their eyes closed and arms relaxed at their sides

DOWNWARD FACING DOG

a pose in which the practitioners body assumes an inverted “V” shape, with their hands and feet planted firmly on the floor, and their backsides are pointing upwards

CHILD’S POSE

occurs when a practitioner starts off by kneeling, and

then bends their upper body downwards until their head rests on the

floor in front of their knees

HAPPY BABY POSE

requires the practitioner to lay on their back and bend their knees into their belly, gripping the outside of their feet with their hands, opening their knees slightly wider than their torso until their shins are perpendicular to the floor

TO LEARN MORE, VISIT DR. PETER MCILVEEN’S OB/GYN BLOG AT:

http://drpetermcilveen.net

*As always, consult with your own OB/GYN or midwife before changing your physical routine or if you’d like to incorporate yoga into your pregnancy exercises