eHow launches Android app: Get the best of eHow on the go.

How To

How to Take Pre-Natal Yoga Precautions

Contributor
By Kelli Slauzis
eHow Contributing Writer
(0 Ratings)

Practicing yoga is a great way to stay in shape during pregnancy. Yoga can help keep muscles tone, keep the body limber, and improve balance and circulation. But, like most physical activity during pregnancy, certain precautions should be taken.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy
Instructions

Things You'll Need:

  • Yoga mat
  • Bottled water
  • Fitted, but comfortable clothing

    How To Take Prenatal Yoga Precautions

  1. Step 1

    Consult your physician before beginning any prenatal yoga programs.

  2. Step 2

    Find a place which offers yoga classes in your area. Make sure the instructor is certified and has taught prenatal yoga classes before. This is also a nice way of meeting other pregnant women who can share in the same experiences you are going through.

  3. Step 3

    Purchase a yoga mat, if you do not already own one. These help ensure that hands and feet stay firmly in place. They also offer a bit of cushion on hard floors. Most gyms and studios rent mats out, but many people use them and it's never certain how often they're being washed.

  4. Step 4

    Skip moves that require you to lay flat on your back; especially after the first trimester. This can cause dizziness, shortness of breath, and sometimes nausaeu. Also avoid any moves that stretch the abdominal muscles.

  5. Step 5

    Do not do such moves as headstands and shoulder stands if you've never done them before. These should also be avoided after the third trimester, even if it's something you're skilled doing.

Tips & Warnings
  • Finding an experienced Prenatal Yoga instructor is beneficial because they can help you find which moves are comfortable for your changing body.
  • Combining prenatal yoga with a cardiovascular exercise, such as walking, is a great way to stay in shape while pregnant. Be sure to consult your physician.
  • Be sure to hydrate well before, during, and after classes with water.
  • Make sure your clothing is fitted but not tight. You want to be comfortable in all positions.
  • Avoid Bikram Yoga classes, which heat the room to 90 degrees. This can cause serious overheating in pregnant women.
  • Never start any fitness regime without consulting your doctor first.
Resources
Subscribe

Post a Comment

Post a Comment

Related Ads

  • Have you done this? Click here to let us know.
I Did This
Get Free Sports & Fitness Newsletters

Copyright © 1999-2009 eHow, Inc. Use of this web site constitutes acceptance of the eHow Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.   en-US Portions of this page are modifications based on work created and shared by Google and used according to terms described in the Creative Commons 3.0 Attribution License.

eHow Sports and Fitness
eHow_eHow Sports and Fitness