Practicing Pranayama during pregnancy can provide many benefits. But, it should be done only under the guidance of a certified trainer after consulting a doctor. Read on to learn more about the benefit of practicing Pranayama for pregnant women.Also defined as yogic breathing or controlled breathing, Pranayama combines two words from Sanskrit, namely Prana which means energy, and ayama, which means distribution of that energy. The cycle of breathing involves the intake of oxygen which is essential for the sustaining of all our bodily systems and the exhalation of Carbon Dioxide which removes the toxic materials from our body.
However, with the fast lifestyle we all have grown comfortable with these days; there is more of shallow breathing. This means that the inhalation is not proper, thus leading to the lack of oxygen in our bodies. Even the exhalation is hurried and improper, ensuring that certain toxics remain in our body.
During pregnancy, a woman is responsible for the life of her baby and her own. Thus, it becomes important for the breathing to be healthy so as to maintain the correct balance of oxygen and carbon dioxide inside the body. This leads to strong lungs, pure blood and eventually the overall strengthening of the body functions.
Is it Safe to Practice Pranayama during Pregnancy?
One of the most asked question that comes in every mind is that is it safe to practice Pranayama during pregnancy. Experts from all over the world have had different viewpoints to this. However, most agree that there are some techniques that are best avoided. These including holding one’s breath for too long, taking forceful breaths to contract one’s stomach, and following instructions from standard books and CDs. While practicing Pranayama, one should seek help from an instructor as every expectant mother has different body needs.
The Benefits of Practicing Pranayama during Pregnancy
Pranayama comes with countless benefits for both, the mother, and the child if done correctly during the pregnancy period. For a start, it optimizes the flow of oxygen inside the body. This helps in improving the circulation of oxygen inside the body which helps the baby as well.
Pranayama helps in the reduction of stress and helps the mind to relax. It has been concluded through studies that practicing Pranayama leads to the emergence of positive energy inside the body. It is important for an expectant mother to remain happy and optimistic as they shall be in a position to deal with
mood swings, anger and also control frustration.
We have discussed that constipation can be harmful for any expectant mother. With Pranayama, one can expect their body functions including the removal of toxins to be more effective.
The benefits of Pranayama also come good during the conception period. Relaxation, opening up one’s mind and the courage to fight the pain comes from this meditative
exercise.
Precautions to be Followed
It is important for Pranayama to be practiced 3-5 hours after every meal and under the guidance of a trained instructor. The exercise can be carried out in the early morning hours and a clean space, terrace, if possible, can be chosen for the same. The atmosphere should be free of pollutants, noise and human disturbance as Pranayama requires one to focus and concentrate on their own self.
As we have discussed, inculcating Pranayama in one’s fitness regime during the pregnancy period goes a long way in fighting toxins, removing them, and leading a stress free life. However, one must also remain careful during the exercise. Every expectant mother has different body needs and it is important to understand them in order to choose the best techniques of Pranayama.
There is a rise all over the world in studies that are being conducted around the same. Since, the lifestyle today has become so stressful and fast, many women are now turning to more ancient methods to have a pregnancy that is relaxed, promising and most importantly healthy for their baby’s life after the conception.
What are the benefits of practicing Pranayama during pregnancy? What kind of breathing techniques should be avoided during pregnancy? When can a pregnant woman start practicing Pranayama? Discuss here
