Pregnancy is a life-changing event.
The female body undergoes many changes in preparation for the baby that is continually growing inside her womb.
As the baby grows bigger, some of the physical activities that women do on a daily basis become tiring and difficult.
Even getting out of bed can be a challenge.
If your little one is on the way and you find that you need some form of exercise to maintain your fitness regimen, why not try prenatal yoga? The benefits of prenatal yoga are numerous.
People without previous yoga experience are encouraged to try prenatal yoga, especially mothers who led sedentary lifestyles before the pregnancy.
Prenatal yoga is recognized as an ideal choice for everybody because it helps keep a woman fit and control weight gain by aiding digestion and boosting the blood flow in her system.
Certain poses help the woman lessen certain physical discomforts brought about by pregnancy, such as aching joints and muscles as well as back pain.
Best of all, practicing prenatal yoga stretches the muscles that are used for birth and can help speed up your birthing labor.
Even after you've given birth, practicing yoga will continue to benefit your body, both physically and mentally.
Prenatal yoga also helps in reducing anxiety and stress in mothers-to-be, by calming their minds with the meditation and breathing exercises.
It is important that pregnant women maintain calmness throughout the pregnancy and even during birth to ensure an efficient and speedy labor process.
In Kamloops, it isn't hard to find a certified yoga teacher who is sensitive to the needs of your pregnancy.
As you practice yoga, you need to be aware that during pregnancy, you are more vulnerable to stress and strain.
This is due to the release of a hormone called relaxin that helps loosen joints and ligaments to prepare for the coming birth.
Therefore, if you feel any pain performing certain poses, stop immediately.
Remember that the point of yoga is to nurture and develop your unborn baby, and you must not take any physical risks that could harm your pregnancy.
Studies have shown that mothers who engage in yoga are generally happier and enjoy good health.
However, before starting on a health regimen during pregnancy, it is imperative that you consult your doctor.
With the exception of lying on your back or stomach beyond the fourth month of pregnancy, there is nothing that would cause problems with prenatal yoga during the course of your pregnancy.
Overall, it is a gentle, low-impact exercise that will benefit both mommy and baby in the long run.