Today motherhood is more complex than ever, with women attempting to juggle children, career, relationships and their own health, often even without the support of family or community. Yoga, however, can restore peace of mind and keep the body supple and toned, ready to welcome that important new little being into the world.
With the go-go-go attitude of modern-day women and our busy lifestyles, it makes it extremely difficult for mothers-to-be to take time off to rest, enjoy and focus on the pregnancy. One of the best ways to ease mood swings, fatigue, painful leg cramps, and breathing problems, aid a smoother and easier labour delivery, assist with post-natal recovery, as well as to create a little peace and space while you are pregnant, is pregnancy yoga.
In general, Hatha yoga teaches us to reconnect to our body and calm the body and mind with emotional stress relief. So, by practising yoga when pregnant you will get all these benefits as well as learn how to use your breathing during labour, connect with your baby growing within, and release happy hormones and endorphins to keep you energetic and positive. The aim of pregnancy yoga is to help the mother bring the baby into the world with minimum hassle and no health complications.
YOGA TIPS FOR EACH TRIMESTER
First trimester
If you are new to yoga, it is advisable not to start your yoga journey in the first trimester of your pregnancy. Give your body a chance to re-adjust before you start anything new. Utmost caution is paramount during this time.
If you are a regular yogi, be aware and accept that your practice will be very different, so make allowances to modify along the way.
Second trimester
Strong core work and deep twists are not advisable during pregnancy, so stick to gentle twists and focus on twisting from the middle and upper back rather than from your abdomen.
This story is from the July 2017 edition of Natural Medicine South Africa.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the July 2017 edition of Natural Medicine South Africa.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
A-Z For Healthy Winter Skin
It’s winter time and, believe it or not, your skin needs just as much care, if not more, as during the summer. Dr Leila Sadien offers comprehensive advice on how to keep your skin glowing and healthy throughout the chilly months ahead.
Ear Disease In Dogs
Dr Alex Niven outlines the causes, symptoms and treatment of outer ear infection in dogs so that you can be prepared if your best friend is afflicted with this common condition.
That Burning Feeling
Cystitis is an unpleasant condition usually caused by a bacterial infection that needs prompt medical attention. Following simple steps to promote bladder health can reduce the risk of recurrence of infection.
Yoga For Thight Hips
Your hips don’t lie but store and bury emotions. Yoga can unlock the secret to tight hips.
Say No To Nasties In Cosmetics!
The many beauty products available to us come in pretty packaging, but don’t be fooled – wise up and check those labels for the chemical nasties lurking in the ingredients that will only do long-term harm to both you and the environment.
The Reasons We Over-Eat
Our sedentary, food-abundant circumstances may be a byproduct of our ‘success’ as a society, and our nutrient, emotional and spiritual deficiencies a result of our hectic lifestyles – but they clearly create imbalances, gaps and voids in our lives, often leading to overeating and obesity.
Miracle Versus Law
DR JOHN DEMARTINI, BSC, DC. www.drdemartini.com info@DrDemartini.co.za He is a leading inspirational speaker, authority on human behaviour, teacher and author. His knowledge and experience are a culmination of 35 years of research and study of more than 28 000 texts in over 200 disciplines ranging from psychology, philosophy, metaphysics and theology to neurology and physiology.
Beauty From Within
ANDREA DU PLESSIS, BSC DIETETICS, MPHIL EXERCISE SCIENCE. Twitter@andreaduplessis Andrea is a registered dietician. Following her initial career as a consulting dietitian, she furthered her studies in the field of sports nutrition with a Master’s degree in Sports Science. As nutrition expert, she has a passion for healthcare through nutrition, natural remedies and an active lifestyle.
The Case For Marijuana As HIV Medicine
Support for medicinal marijuana has reached an all-time high in many parts of the world, especially among medical practitioners. Over 70% of the elite community are in favour of the use of cannabis to lessen the effects of a large number of chronic medical conditions.
Vegan Athletes Reach Peak Performance
Plant-based foods prove their mettle as well-known athletes go vegan and reach peak performance levels.
