Why Yoga Rocks for Pregnant Supermoms
Pregnant supermoms and women trying to conceive often ask me if its “OK” to practice yoga while they’re pregnant or trying to get pregnant.
My answer is NO.
It’s not OK …it’s imperative!
I can’t imagine, nor would I want to, what my five pregnancies would’ve been like sans yoga. The practice is such a mental, physical, emotional, and Spiritual gift for both mom and baby. It grounds you, calms you, moves your energy, cleans your slate, opens your heart, energizes you, brings more joy and ease into your life, keeps you physically fit, and prepares you for labor and motherhood.
I brought my mat to the hospital and practiced the day I delivered my first three kids and the next day after my C Section with our twins (much to my midwife’s and nurse’s surprise).
My rule of thumb for practicing heated yoga when pregnant is that it’s fine and great as long as you’ve practiced in the heat for at least a year. It’s always wise to consult your midwife or doctor and for CYA I should say here that I ain’t a doctor and so therefore can’t give medical advice 
. And just so ya know, my experience has been that most docs, also covering their a** (hey, we live in a litigious society), say no hot yoga when trying to conceive or pregnant.
Again, I personally believe that hot yoga is great while pregnant or trying to conceive as long as you’ve practiced at least a year. (You don’t wanna start ANY new exercise regime during pregnancy.) Hey, think of all the happy healthy babies born every day in very hot climates. The research I’ve seen looked at women sitting in saunas way over 120 degrees. Severe and very dry heat with no movement. Totally different ball game sports fans.
As your belly grows you’ll wanna modify your practice. Also you’ll wanna back off of twists and never do abs. Most importantly, you’ll wanna listen to your body and rest and modify as it guides you. But I believe that to be true for every practitioner, pregnant or not!
Have the best day ever!
Namaste!
Taylor plus 5
Order my new book, card deck, and DVD now at Pranapoweryoga.com
January 22nd, 2013 at 7:59 pm
I echo Taylor’s sentiments 100%. I practiced Prana Power Yoga in the heat an average of 5 times per week through 37 weeks of my pregnancy. My body, mind and spirit loved and craved the practice and the heat. At the 37 week mark, my body and my baby asked for something different, and I listened. I practiced prenatal yoga and hung in rag doll in my bedroom for the duration of my pregnancy, and that rocked too. The best word to describe my pregnancy was magical, and I was so calm, grounded and centered during my labor and delivery because of my time on the mat. When my daughter was born, she had the most calm yet vibrant energy. I am so grateful for that time on my mat and all it did for my daughter and me. I highly recommend a regular yoga practice during pregnancy. It’s the best!
February 15th, 2013 at 8:53 pm
Where can I find more information about your Yoga classes?
Any in or around Washington DC?
March 24th, 2013 at 4:14 pm
Once you’ve decided that you want to get pregnant, begin making drastic changes (if needed) to your daily routine and lifestyle so that your body will be in peak condition for being with a child. Holistic measures for the maintenance of good health is necessary for both the mother and child. When I found out with my fourth child and first boy that he was breech part of me wanted him turned around but part of me wanted the experience of the cesarean birth.