Teaching Prenatal Yoga – Part 1

By Dr. Rita Khanna

As a Yoga teacher, one must extrapolate as how to adapt Prenatal Yoga to a Yoga class. This becomes a particularly difficult task for those teachers who are not teaching Prenatal, but have a pregnant student in their regular class. I have been teaching Prenatal Yoga for over twenty seven years. In my experience as a Yoga teacher and Yoga teacher trainer, I’ve found most Yoga teachers are somewhat fearful of dealing with pregnant students. My purpose in writing this article is to provide Yoga teachers with enough information to put their minds at ease, when teaching a pregnant student within a regular Yoga class.

Exercise During the First Trimester

Nearly all Prenatal Yoga books recommend minimal, if any, exercise during the first trimester of pregnancy, and many recommend stopping in late pregnancy. Although many women will not feel like exercising during the first weeks of pregnancy, due to fatigue or nausea, there has been no scientific evidence to support the necessity for restricting exercise during this time, or any other time. However, most of the medical concerns, regarding exercise and pregnancy, were related to the possibility of increasing body temperature, reduced delivery of oxygen and nutrients to the placenta and baby, and mechanical stress. The physiological effects of exercising in pregnancy were not what might be anticipated. Instead of being a possible detriment to the mother and fetus, the physiological changes of pregnancy were actually enhanced by exercise. The combination of exercise, and pregnancy, results in an increased ability of the pregnant woman to adapt to the stress of pregnancy, as well as any other unanticipated medical problems that might arise during labor and delivery.

Physiological Changes in Pregnancy

Heart and Circulatory System

The entire circulatory system must change radically during pregnancy. As soon as the fertilized egg implants, the cells that become the placenta, begin to send signals that cause a dramatic increase in hormonal secretions. One of the first systems required to adapt to pregnancy, the circulatory system, must increase its capacity by about 40%. This increase is necessary to support the developing fetus, ensuring adequate oxygen and nutrients, and to support the mother through the blood loss of delivery. Hormonal secretions cause the blood vessels to dilate, and the volume of blood must increase to fill the system. In early pregnancy, this expansion results in relative dehydration that may manifest as waves of fatigue, nausea, sweating, and dizziness, especially with sudden positional changes.

Respiratory System

In general, lung function is improved during pregnancy, both by increased depth of breathing, and by an improved ability of the body tissues to take up oxygen. Increases in progesterone secretion stimulate deeper breathing by the mother, but may result in a quicker feeling of breathlessness on exertion. This is normal and does not have any detrimental effects on either the mother or the fetus. On an average, there is a 40–50% increase in the amount of air a pregnant woman breathes.

Temperature Regulation

Pregnancy increases the metabolic rate by 15–20%. Therefore, heat production by the body is increased. Many women feel as though they have an internal furnace. The ‘glow of pregnancy’ is often the result of the pregnant woman’s body regulating her temperature, through dilation of the skin blood vessels, to dissipate heat. Heat is also lost through the increase in ventilation (breathing) and the increased ability of pregnant women to sweat. All of these mechanisms help prevent overheating during exercise.

Muscles, Ligaments and Bones

A pregnant woman’s weight normally increases by 15–25%. This increase, along with an enlarging abdomen and a changing centre of gravity, results in mechanical stress on the muscles, ligaments, and bones. In addition, a hormone called relaxin softens ligaments and cartilage. Relaxin, produced by the placenta, is secreted to allow the pelvis to expand, providing space for the enlarging fetus. It also changes the contour of the pelvic opening in preparation for birth. Due to this shifting of the pelvic structure, joints within the pelvis may become unstable, resulting in the relatively common problems of sacroiliac (sacroiliac joint is a firm, small joint that lies at the junction of the spine and the pelvis) and pubic pain.

Exercise During Pregnancy

Exercise, during normal pregnancy, is not only safe, but should be encouraged. Current studies done on women engaged in sustained, vigorous, aerobic exercise have demonstrated many benefits of exercise during pregnancy, including:

• Reduced maternal weight gain

• Less maternal discomfort and injury

• Less need for pain relief in labor and delivery

• Decreased need for episiotomy (surgical incision to increase the vaginal opening during delivery)

• Decreased need for surgical intervention (C-section, forceps, or vacuum delivery)

• Increased rate of term delivery (less likelihood of going past due date)

• Increased relaxation and positive mental attitude

• Enhanced immune function

• Increased energy levels

• Faster recovery after delivery

Holistic Approach of Yoga

Yoga offers a holistic approach to pregnancy, more than any other form of exercise, because Yoga is more than exercise. As discussed, pregnancy is a time of drastic change physiologically; but as we know in Yoga, there cannot be physiological changes without affecting the other dimensions of the self. Pregnancy can be a time of great upheaval and emotional adjustment, but it can also be a wonderful opportunity for introspection. Yoga offers practices and a philosophy that will allow the pregnant woman to integrate the physical, energetic, mental, and spiritual dimensions, in a manner that will enhance her ability to be a mother.

Generally, pregnancy occurs in younger women. Most have not spent much of their life managing any kind of health-related problems, or needing to contend with some form of chronic illness, that may come with ageing. They are young and healthy with a “no pain, no gain” mentality. Once pregnant, they begin to experience many bodily changes, and some of the common discomforts of their condition. This may be the first time they’ve had to consider someone else’s needs before their own. With the ever-increasing level of hormones, their ability to adjust to these changes fluctuates greatly. By practicing Yoga, the expectant mother learns to adapt mind and body, in a way that will help her through her pregnancy, prepare her for labor and delivery, and assist her in the years ahead.

• Yoga Asanas provide a non-stressful form of exercise that strengthens and stabilizes the muscles and joints. Asanas teach pregnant women to coordinate breath and movement, to move with awareness, and to improve posture and balance.

• Pranayama practices help balance energy, create calmness, and stabilize emotions. Pranayama improves focus, and it encourages Pratyahara abilities that will be greatly needed in labor and delivery. The practices also restore Prana that is being used to support the new life growing within.

• Yoga-nidra and Meditation provide relaxation, restoration of energy, and develop Pratyahara. Meditation develops awareness and intuition. The senses of the infant are evolving, and it is experiencing the bodily rhythms, movements, and feelings of its mother. It is a partner in the pregnancy, and Meditation can help provide a bridge of intuitive awareness between mother and child.

Overall, the goal of Yoga, in pregnancy, should be Santosha, or Contentment. Yoga stretches the body and mind into acceptance. This is a time to honor oneself to truly experience the moment. Life will never again be the same. The illusion of predictability is gone. In addition, the discipline of Yoga will help prepare for the discipline of motherhood. Developing a daily Sadhana should be encouraged. After all, motherhood will be a daily practice. There will be endless Karma Yoga involved, and as a mother serves her child, devotion will make her a Bhakta. Yoga can provide the means for a woman to become a mother.

How Yoga Helps

It is normal in pregnancy to experience many different aches and pains, feelings and sensations. Some of these are minor annoyances, while others create considerable distress. As a Yoga teacher, it is important to know what is normal and how Yoga can help relieve these symptoms, or at least, help in their management. Pregnant students often feel uncomfortable in a regular Yoga class because they are unsure if the teacher understands how to modify practices. They may pose questions about something they are experiencing to ‘test’ whether the teacher has enough knowledge.

The following are common occurrences, at any time, during pregnancy, and when they are most likely to occur, along with some general suggestions:

Breast Enlargement

The average woman increases 2 cup sizes. This increase in size creates stress in the neck and shoulders, and encourages slouching. Asanas, to loosen and strengthen the neck and shoulders, should be practiced. Encourage good posture.

Constipation

Progesterone, one of the hormones that increase dramatically in pregnancy, causes relaxation of smooth muscle tissue, including the intestines. Preparatory Exercises Pt 2 & Energy Block Postures (Read my article “Yogic Home Work”) and Spinal Twists.

Eye Dryness and Vision Changes

Due to hormonal changes. Eye exercises, Palming, and Trataka

Faintness and Dizziness

The vascular system doesn’t react quickly to position changes and often there is relative dehydration. During Asana, move slowly from sitting to standing. Limit length of time for standing asana practice. Encourage adequate fluid intake.

Gas and Bloating

Due to sluggishness of intestinal tract – Preparatory Exercises Pt 2 & Energy Block Postures (Article “Yogic Home Work”), Surya Namaskara.

Headaches

Often due to muscle tension and anxiety – Preparatory Exercises Pt 1(Article “Yogic Home Work”), tranquillizing and balancing Pranayamas, Yoga-nidra and Meditation

Insomnia

Regular Asana practice, tranquillizing and balancing Pranayamas, Yoga nidra and Meditation

Rhinitis (Running Nose)

Swelling of the mucus membranes, due to the increased blood volume, and hormones – Neti

Weepiness and Emotional Instability

Regular Sadhana, especially Pranayama, Yoga- nidra and Meditation. Encourage expression, not suppression of feelings.

First Trimester

Breast Tenderness

Asanas involving lying down on stomach may be uncomfortable; such Asanas may be avoided.

Fatigue

Encourage Pranayama practices, Yoga-nidra, adequate fluid intake, small and frequent meals.

Morning Sickness

Adequate fluid intake, small and frequent meals

Second Trimester

Round Ligament Pain

This feels like a ripping sensation when rolling over. Support the belly.

Second & Third Trimester

Abdominal Muscle Separation

This is a linear bulge, along the mid-abdomen, when the abdominal muscles are engaged. Corrects after pregnancy

Breathlessness

Due to increased progesterone, encourage expanding breath capacity Pranayamas

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Due to increased fluid retention and compression of nerve in wrist. Preparatory Exercises Pt 1 (Article “Yogic Home Work”) for hands. Spread fingers widely and ground the whole palm to distribute weight in arm. Do weight bearing Asanas.

Hip Soreness

Preparatory Exercises Pt 1, 2, Energy Block Postures (Article “Yogic Home Work”) & hip stretching Asanas.

Hemorrhoids

Due to pelvic congestion, and straining, if constipated. Energy Block Postures (Article “Yogic Home Work”) and Ashwini Mudra.

Pubic Bone Pain

Hip stretching Asanas.

Sweating

Due to increased blood flow to skin. Re-assure.

Third Trimester

Backache

Gentle backward bending Asanas, Yoga-nidra, and encourage good posture.

Edema and Swelling

Preparatory Exercises Pt 1, adequate fluid intake.

Fatigue

Preparatory Exercises Pt 1, Pranayama, Yoga- nidra and Meditation.

Heartburn

Progesterone relaxes cardiac sphincter. Tadasana, Tiryaka Tadasana, encourage frequent, small meals and papaya enzyme.

Leg Cramps

Preparatory Exercises Pt 1, adequate fluid intake, and Yoga-nidra

Sciatica

Preparatory Exercises Pt 1, 2 & Energy Block Postures, gentle backward bending Asanas, avoid unsupported forward bending, and do Yoga-nidra.

Urinary Incontinence

Due to weak pelvic floor muscles, and weight of baby. Kandharasana, Moola Bandha and Vajroli Mudra.

Varicose Veins

Due to increased pressure in pelvis – Preparatory Exercises Pt 1, Parvatasana and Kandharasana

Aum Shanti

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Courtesy: Dr. Rita Khanna’s Yogashaastra Studio.

A popular studio that helps you find natural solutions for complete health.

Also conducts online Yoga Courses & Naturopathy Guidance.

Mobile: + 919849772485

Ph:-91-40-65173344

Email: yogashaastra@gmail.com

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Dr. Rita Khanna

Dr. Rita Khanna is a well-known name in the field of Yoga and Naturopathy. She was initiated into this discipline over 25 years ago by world famous Swami Adyatmananda of Sivananda Ashram in Rishikesh (India).

She believes firmly that Yoga is a scientific process, which helps us to lead a healthy and disease-free life. She is also actively involved in practicing alternative medicines like Naturopathy. Over the years, she has been successfully practicing these therapies and providing succour to several chronic and terminally ill patients through Yoga, Diet and Naturopathy. She is also imparting Yoga Teachers Training.

At present, Dr. Rita Khanna is running a Yoga Studio in Secunderabad (Hyderabad, India).