I’m Down with Downward Facing Dog!

It’s no new news that yoga is a great exercise during pregnancy, but in addition to improving flexibility, maintaining or building core strength, and otherwise preparing the body for labor, various poses, or asanas, can be beneficial in alleviating many common pregnancy complaints. Yoga, being a holistic practice – it addresses the mental, physical, and emotional/spiritual aspects of wellbeing – makes it particularly ideal during this time.

Here are some of the many ways yoga specifically helps to relieve common pregnancy woes. (Note: Please be sure to practice these poses with a qualified instructor trained in prenatal yoga, or follow a prenatal yoga program, as some of the poses need to be modified during pregnancy).

• Anemia – Downward facing dog, twists, and pranayama (breathing exercises) have proved beneficial in treating anemia, a common condition in pregnancy.

• Backache – Twists, triangle pose, extended side angle stretches, cat’s breath, downward facing dog (modified), and savasana (side-lying after 4th month) can really help alleviate backache.

• Lack of Concentration – Downward facing dog and side-lying savasana can really help with “pregnancy brain”.

• Constipation – Triangle pose, extended side-angle stretch, Warrior I and Warrior II, and twists all help to keep things moving!

• Edema – Triangle pose, downward facing dog, twists, and legs up the wall can help reduce swelling of extremities.

• Fatigue – Downward facing dog, pranayama, side-lying savasana, twists, child’s pose (modified), and seated hamstring stretch can really give an energy boost.

• Headache – Sitting twists, side-lying savasana, head to knee bends, seated hamstring stretch, and pranayama can help take a load off the mind!

• Insomnia – Downward facing dog, pranayama, and head to knee stretches can help insure a good nights sleep.

• Stress – Downward facing dog, head to knee stretches, seated hamstring stretch, and pranayama can help allay anxiety and release pregnancy-related tension.

• Varicose Veins – Head to knee stretches can help minimize varicose veins, a common pregnancy condition.

I have found much relief from practicing yoga during my pregnancy, most notably in increased energy and improved mental outlook. It has also been a fun bonding experience with my toddler – he is really good at downward facing dog and warrior I! – and it has helped me to feel more connected to the new baby inside. I highly recommend it.

Namaste~

Ardis