The benefits of prenatal yoga are many. Not only does yoga increase overall strength and flexibility, but you’re likely to find that your overall sense of wellbeing also increases.

With all of the physical and emotional changes that occur during this sensitive period, a calming and centering activity like prenatal yoga can help even out the ups and downs of pregnancy.

Prenatal yoga, or any yoga for that matter, not only stretches your muscles, but stretches the tissues encasing organs, which in turn stimulates organ systems, promoting increased blood circulation. In this way, all cells of the body receive greater amounts of oxygen and nutrients, allowing them to perform their natural cleansing functions.

The Aches and Pains of Pregnancy

Prenatal yoga reduces lower back pain, a common complaint during the latter stages of pregnancy. Practicing prenatal yoga helps one to become more aware of proper body alignment. This can do wonders for alleviating back pain before it starts. Speaking from personal experience, there is a way to integrate that growing belly into your sense of balance!

The culprit behind pregnancy related back pain is the pelvic tilt that occurs during gestation. Prenatal qigong helps to remind one of the natural alignment of the spine, thus decreasing the amount of pelvic tilt, and associated symptoms of uncomfortably.

This can be especially important during the night, as a growing belly can make it more difficult to find a restful sleeping position. Prenatal yoga addresses this by generally increasing relaxation as well as oxygen and nutrient supply, which allows for a more restful sleep despite the added physical limitations.

Digestion

Digestion is also improved through prenatal yoga. As any pregnant woman can tell you, digestion becomes a huge focus when eating for two. Prenatal yoga increases digestive enzymes and blood circulation. This means more energy is supplied more efficiently to your growing baby.

Swelling and Inflammation

Prenatal yoga is a miracle worker when it comes to swelling, inflammation and all those little (and not so little) aches and pains of pregnancy. A regular and consistent asana practice promotes circulation of blood and oxygen through the entire body. This can greatly reduce swelling and inflammation during pregnancy or the PMS part of one’s menstrual cycle.

Physical Preparation for Giving Birth

The level of fitness achieved by practicing prenatal yoga will directly assist the process of giving birth, as the same muscles used in labor will be strengthened in your yoga practice.

Squatting asanas help tone the pelvic floor and build strength in your thighs and other major muscles that will come into play during labor and delivery. Even if you will not be squatting during labor, strengthening these muscles with prenatal qigong practice will ease your baby’s journey into life when the time comes.