There are many benefits to practicing yoga in general. And these benefits are even more specific to practicing prenatal yoga. Some of the benefits are quantifiable through research studies. And since yoga is an ancient science, there are probably many more benefits to our lives that the yogis noted than our modern medicine can quantify.
Lowers blood pressure and reduces stress
Yoga practitioners tend to be known for their calm demeanor. Deep breathing practices invoke our parasympathetic nervous system (knows as the “rest and digest” state). Prenatal yoga class with Sacred Rhythms always begin and end with breathing awareness and practices. We always end with Savasana (translated as corpse pose). This final resting pose facilitates full body relaxation, allowing the body, mind and spirit to integrate the practices done during class.
Increases flexibility
Yoga practitioners also tend to be known for their flexibility. And while yoga does increase flexibility, it is something that needs caution. A pregnant body already produces relaxin, a hormone that creates more elasticity in the connective tissues in order to allow baby to move out through the pelvis. So taking classes with a certified prenatal yoga instructor (with the credentials RPTY) should ensure that students who experience too much flexibility (often accompanied by pain in the SI joints or public symphysis) will be given alternative poses. Students who need more flexibility will benefit from the many hip-opening postures that prenatal yoga offers.
Increases Strength
While we tend to associate yoga more with flexibility, we also know that the fitness industry has taken hold in yoga because of the strength-building postures. Using body resistance is enough to build strength and stamina in many postures, especially the standing poses. Adho Mukha Svanasana (downward facing dog) is an accessible full-body strengthening pose.
In prenatal yoga, we consider specifically what parts of the body need strength and stamina for labor and birth. In prenatal yoga with Sacred Rhythms, there is an added focus on pelvic strength - and suppleness.
Increases Interoception - the body-mind connection
Proprioception is the awareness of our body in space - relationship to objects nearby, sense of balance and being upright. Interoception is awareness of the inside of the body - the feeling of breathing, heartbeat, digestion and muscle coordination. Much of what is taught in fitness (yoga) classes tends to emphasize the shape of a posture. But, as Dawn is certified in Yoga for Trauma, our prenatal yoga class focuses on the internal feeling of a posture. This somatic awareness increases posture and functional movement and can be a tool for healing injuries or traumatic events. Interoception and somatic awareness are also vital to understanding our intuition and our “inner teacher.”
This brings me to the more qualitative benefits that are proven through anecdotal evidence.
Community Connection
When we orient to birth as a rite of passage, we will understand that we need connection with other women in the same stage of life, as well as the wise women who have already been through that phase.
In prenatal yoga with Sacred Rhythms there is a specific emphasis on building connections with the other women in class. This is a safe space for asking questions and sharing experiences. From the conversations about the glucose test and gestational diabetes to complementary wellness practices, to knowing your medical rights, this yoga class is a special place for expecting moms.
I hope you will join us Monday evenings, 6-7:30pm at the Yoga and Massage Center for prenatal yoga.
