The Benefits of Prenatal Yoga
The Research
An ever-increasing body of research is demonstrating that Prenatal Yoga can be a wonderful support during pregnancy.
For example, a study in early 2024 showed that:
“shifts towards sympathetic dominance during mental challenge was markedly reduced after physical activity...
this reduction was significantly more profound after practising yoga compared to walking”
This means that people practising yoga are experiencing a greater capacity to handle significant stressors (such as birthing and making important decisions during pregnancy) than people who just go for walks.
Why is this? Because yoga is so much more than exercise!
In fact, a true yoga practice incorporates at least 8 different facets (limbs) including: reflection upon your values, introspection, postures, breathing or management of energy, withdrawing from distractions, mindfulness, meditation and being in joy/flow.
The Benefits
Without overwhelming you with research articles, we feel it’s more helpful to provide you with a summary of some ways in which Prenatal Yoga may support your pregnancy:
Relaxation and stress management
Fostering physical and mental stamina and strength
Fostering connection with baby
Improving flexibility and balance
Toning of the birth muscles
Improving circulation
Improving posture (alleviating common back and hip discomforts)
Balancing the body to encourage optimal position of baby for birthing
Feeling empowered, prepared and confident for birth
Techniques to mitigate and manage pain perception and sensation
Understanding what your intuition is and how to connect to it
Beginning to develop an understanding of your values as a parent
This is certainly not an exhaustive list, but hopefully is a helpful starting point in your consideration of whether Prenatal Yoga is a suitable investment of your time and energy during pregnancy.
