Why is Yoga beneficial for Pregnancy?

Pre-Natal Yoga is beneficial for increasing strength and flexibility of muscles specific to pregnancy, labour and delivery.  With regular yoga, joints will stay healthy and swelling, which is sometimes common in the hands and feet while pregnant, will be reduced.  Yoga can reduce sciatic or low back pain, which sometimes occurs as the body prepares for birth.

Since Pre-natal students are working directly with an instructor and other pregnant women, they will experience a sense of belonging and they will be able to develop friendships, and share the experiences of being pregnant.  With fewer aches and pains, and increased flexibility, and decreased stress, there will be an increased sense of well-being. 

Pre-natal yoga will provide tools and techniques to use during labour and delivery.  These tools will include positions, chants, breathing, and relaxation techniques to help in managing pain during delivery.  As well, these techniques will enable women to try and relax during contractions which may result in less pain and better progression of labour.

To read a testimonial of the goodness of Yoga for pregnancy click on this link to get to Sylvia's own experience with Prenatal Yoga.