Breathing sounds simple, right? We do it every day without thinking about it at all. But once you become pregnant, breathing takes on a whole new meaning. For starters, some pregnant may feel like they are unable to take a deep breath while pregnant. This is partly due to the added weight your body is carrying as baby grows, and partly due to some changes in pulmonary functions while pregnant. It is usually not a real medical issue, and once baby "drops," a pregnant woman may find more ease in breathing.
Using the breath to find awareness, a mind-body-baby connection and mental relaxation is a huge foundation of prenatal yoga, regardless of the trimester. Proper breath can mean the difference between an enjoyable (relative term, of course!) labor, and one that becomes stressful and tense for both mom and baby. Prenatal yoga can help mom start to hone the breathing skills that will help you ride past "the edge" of discomforts during pregnancy, in delivery, and in recovery. Once baby is born, it can also help you to find a stillness in that tired haze of fatigue, allowing you to appreciate the peace and beauty of your moment, shutting out any negative speak in your mind as you learn to adapt to your new life, baby and body.
Prenatal yoga breathing is just like "normal" yoga breathing. Inhale through the nose with the mouth closed, and exhale through the nose. While some deep relaxation breathing techniques have one holding the breath, pregnant women should NEVER retain breath, or practice tempo breathing that is forcefully expelled through the diaphragm. Simply focus on finding the pace of your inhale and exhale during prenatal yoga, and you and your growing baby can enjoy the calming benefits it provides.
Using the breath to find awareness, a mind-body-baby connection and mental relaxation is a huge foundation of prenatal yoga, regardless of the trimester. Proper breath can mean the difference between an enjoyable (relative term, of course!) labor, and one that becomes stressful and tense for both mom and baby. Prenatal yoga can help mom start to hone the breathing skills that will help you ride past "the edge" of discomforts during pregnancy, in delivery, and in recovery. Once baby is born, it can also help you to find a stillness in that tired haze of fatigue, allowing you to appreciate the peace and beauty of your moment, shutting out any negative speak in your mind as you learn to adapt to your new life, baby and body.
Prenatal yoga breathing is just like "normal" yoga breathing. Inhale through the nose with the mouth closed, and exhale through the nose. While some deep relaxation breathing techniques have one holding the breath, pregnant women should NEVER retain breath, or practice tempo breathing that is forcefully expelled through the diaphragm. Simply focus on finding the pace of your inhale and exhale during prenatal yoga, and you and your growing baby can enjoy the calming benefits it provides.
