Have a look at some precautions which you need to take while practicing yoga during second trimester pregnancy.   

• When you are doing physical exercises, take utmost care that your heart rate does not increase more than half of the normal.

• Avoid vigorous and strenuous exercises as this will slow down the flow of oxygen to the unborn child and you will not have the tension of harming your baby as well.

• Avoid overheating of your body and stay hydrated during exercise time.

• If your doctor has advised you not to exercise, you should follow his suggestion. Even if many women do not do exercise during pregnancy, they have healthy children. So doctor’s permission is most important.

• Usually all exercises that can be done by the mother is good during the second trimester pregnancy. The best among all are walking and some specific yoga asanas.

• Avoid yoga asanas that make your abdominal muscles stretch and make you lie on your back as well. Do not perform yoga even if there is slightest discomfort.

Yoga Asanas for Second Trimester Pregnancy

Here are some yoga asans which are beneficial during second trimester pregnancy. You need to practice these yoga asans only under yoga expert’s supervision to avoid complications.

• Vajrasana – This asana enhances digestion and can be done directly after finishing your meal. It relieves the stomach problems that are usually associated with pregnancy. It also helps strengthen the pelvic muscles and assist women in labour too.

• Marjari asana – This is also called cat stretch pose and is very helpful in toning the female reproductive system. This asana brings flexibility to neck, spine and shoulders.

• Tadasana – Helps stretch and loosen the entire spine and also helps in developing mental and physical balance.

• Matsya Kridasana – It helps remove constipation and stimulates digestion as well. Relaxes the nerves of the legs which are a great relief during the last days of pregnancy.

• Bhadrasana – This asana is also beneficial for digestion and helps relieve problems related to stomach. If this asana is done regularly, the pregnant woman has safe and smooth delivery.

• Hasta Uthanasana – Removes stiffness felt in shoulders and upper back. This also improves blood circulation through the body and this enables the brain receive extra amount of oxygen.

• Kati Chakrasana – Relieves physical and mental tension and tones waist, hips and backs.

• Uthanasana – Strengthens muscles of uterus, thighs, backs and ankles.

• Meru Akarshanasana – This asana stretches and makes the abdominal muscles and inner thigh stronger and flexible.

There are special classes of yoga designed to help pregnant women stay fit and healthy throughout the pregnancy period. These asanas also help the woman have a smooth and less painful delivery as well as help keep the unborn child healthy too. However, two things are very important here – one is to take all necessary precautions and stay alert while performing yoga and seek doctor’s advice beforehand. Just keep in mind that you need to do yoga asanas correctly and safely during the time you are pregnant.