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Taking part in Prenatal Yoga and Postnatal Yoga Classes are the best thing for your mind, body and soul.

If you don't have a great deal of time on your hands then a yoga class a day or following a yoga regime as set in a Yoga pregnancy DVD or yoga video is the easiest, I think.

It encourages deep breathing, it allows you to stretch your back and keeps you fit and supple.

Perhaps the greatest benefit that the practice of yoga can do for you is to prepare your mind and body for the impending labor and birth.

What I find is that in doing the yoga poses it helps me stay supple and minimizes such things as constipation and morning sickness.

By doing yoga exercises you help open the pelvis and relax the area around the cervix and birth canal ... this will help towards having an easier delivery.

I don't think I need to point out that the yoga breathing techniques are just wonderful during labor.

Yoga is great and if practiced regularly it will help to put your body back into shape and also help with restoring your abdomen, uterus and pelvic floor to a pre-baby state. (Well at least as close to it as possible)

Just be really careful when you choose your positions and poses that you avoid those positions which require you to lie on your back or belly.

You owe it to yourself to make your pregnancy an experience that you'll enjoy ... and doing yoga can make the difference!

In this regard it is really best to go to yoga classes with teacher's versed in teaching pregnancy yoga or get some of the those great Pregnancy yoga DVD's/videos or books.

I personally believe that yoga for pregnant women is the way to go. There are fabulous pregnancy yoga DVD's,yoga videos and books by experienced teachers such as Shiva Rea.

I find the pregnancy yoga books good to .... but I'd rather see it done in front of me ... that's why if I can't get to a class I reach for the DVD!

I read the books when I'm having a cup of tea.

This was an interesting article that Sara contributed ... very commonsensical. I've really benefited from just getting out  and doing more exercise generally.

You Can Do Exercise During Pregnancy, But Don't Overdo It

Contributed by: Sara Jameson

Don't get so lazy during your pregnancy. Move your body if you want to delivery your baby easily, do some exercise! Some studies show that women who exercise during pregnancy are more likely to have easy labor and deliveries and faster recoveries.

This is exactly what you must do for the benefit of you and your child, but you must not overdo it and consult your healthcare on the best exercise you can do.

( I really can't stress how much I benefited from my gentle yoga practice during this period. It stretched my back, loosened aching and fatigued muscles ..... and even more importantly, gave me mental release and allowed me to relax. Doing yoga really is a gift for your mind, body and soul ... author's insert)

The benefit of exercise during pregnancy not only will make your baby delivery easy, but also can combat fatigue, minimize back pain because your back muscles will be stronger, stress relief, reducing fat, and recover more quickly after delivery. Exercise can help you strengthen your muscles, which makes labor easier. Further, exercise helps you get your stamina and energy levels up--which will be necessary once baby arrives.

There are some forms of activity that are better than others during pregnancy. Certain exercises can help promote physical fitness and are less likely to result in injury. Among the best exercises for pregnant moms include: walking, swimming, stretching, yoga, dancing, stationary cycling, and low impact prenatal aerobics.

Walking is great exercise that will not cause you to over exert yourself. You can take a brisk walk through a scenic park or even around a shopping mall. Of course, you should also drink plenty of water and stay well-hydrated, especially if you are walking outdoors or in humid areas. And never go into woods or desolate areas alone. Swimming is also one of the favorite exercises for pregnant women. You might also enroll in a water aerobics class, which is relaxing and can also prepare you for labor. Just don't get into any hot tubs--that's not good for you or the baby.

It is essential, however, that you do not indulge in any contact sports or activities that could pose a risk to your or your baby. For example, if you belong to a soccer team, you may need to suspend your play until after the baby is born. You do not want to risk falling down or having someone else land on you by accident. The risks, in this case, are greater than the benefits.

(This is where I think that pregnancy yoga is just such an all in one package .... it works  you up into a light sweat, stretches and tones the muscles, all the while concentrating on the fact that it must be beneficial for you and your growing child - author's insert)

Additionally, if you are used to exercising, it will make it all the easier to lose your baby weight after the birth of your child. You should not concern yourself with following a rigorous exercise plan or a strict diet during your pregnancy. Regular, mild exercise is sufficient. Plus, you need plenty of fruits, vegetables, grains, red meats and poultry in your daily diet during the pregnancy.

Still, there are plenty of fun, safe activities that will allow you to get some needed physical activity without all the risks. So, get moving!
 

About the Author
Sara Jameson writes her experiences in "The Very Happy Pregnancy: Avoiding Stress and Depression." Check this out http://www.trying-to-get-pregnant.info and http://www.pregnancy-due-date.info
 

I also benefited greatly when I took the advice of Caroline on board and got some pregnancy massage therapy.

Pregnancy Massage Therapy

Contributed by: Caroline Colby

The modern mum-to-be is a stressed out individual, having to cater to increasing pressures of a fast paced society and work place. Yet at the same time, she knows that her wellness is crucial especially during her pregnancy if she wants a smooth delivery process and the birth of a healthy happy baby.

This increased awareness has led to the search for alternative approaches in addition to traditional health services.

Pregnancy massage therapy is one such alternative approach. It has much therapeutic value as it enhances the function of muscles and joints, improves blood circulation and relieves mental and physical fatigue.

Pregnancy Massage can be prenatal, postnatal or during the labor process, although many refer pregnancy massage to just prenatal and post-natal massage to mean massage that takes place a few days after delivery.
 

(After the pregnancy massage, which was done with great care by the massage therapist, I just felt like I was floating on air. It made me feel so relaxed and so good about myself. I did consult my doctor first to check that it was alright for me to do this and I'm really thankful to Caroline for her comments otherwise I mightn't have had the courage to try this - and it was just the thing for me. Just make sure that you check with your doctor first!)

In a prenatal massage, the massage is focused on reducing pregnancy discomforts and aims to enhance the physiological and emotional well-being of both mother and foetus. A relaxed mother also helps in the development of a brainy and healthy foetus. Also, the massage helps to strengthen and prepares the muscles that are useful for a natural delivery process.

Many women fear a long delivery process. Yet, many desire one that is as natural as possible and without the use of epidural or any other drugs. During labor, massage techniques exist to help shorten the delivery process while easing pain and anxiety.

Post-natal massage focuses on toning the new mother’s body, reduce fluid retention and helps the body be brought back to balance and shape. It also helps to rejuvenate and re-energize the new mother and thus enhance her ability to bond with her baby.
 

The pregnant woman should always first consult their doctors if they are suitable for massage or for any other alternative therapies that they wish to try. The overall objective is to achieve a good mental state and physical health and to have a wonderful birthing experience!

Caroline Colby publishes information, tips and resources on Massage Therapy. She is a firm believer of natural healing therapies. Her site includes information on massage techniques, massage chairs, massage oils, etc. For more details, please visit her site at http://www.massage-therapy-central.com.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Caroline_Colby

The overall objective is to achieve a good mental state and physical health and to have a wonderful birthing experience. Try pregnancy massage as an option.

I can really say that I found pregnancy massage to be empowering to my mental state!

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