Prenatal Pregnancy Yoga & Meditation Routine
Wondering whether it is safe to do yoga while pregnant?
I felt the same way. Everything shifts when you become pregnant and start questioning literally everything.
I personally was practicing powerful Kundalini meditations when I was positively surprised with the news of a baby. I was advised by my doctor to avoid power breath meditations, however yoga was highly recommended. That said, most yoga studios don’t accept pregnant women before the 12 week mark to be on the safe side, so a quick prenatal routine is your best bet. Be sure to check with your doctor or health practitioner before starting a new exercise routine. Above all, listen to your body.
My morning Yoga & Meditation Routine
I have been practicing this routine from the beginning of my pregnancy and it just never gets old. I am now entering my third trimester and I am still loving it. It’s one of the moments in the day that I look forward to the most.
To be honest I was never the super yogui fan. I liked it but I didn’t really understand what all the fuss was about. As soon as I got pregnant and started exercising regularly, I became addicted (in a good way). Yoga is a great way to encourage flexibility in the body and mind, release tension and strengthen your muscles. All great traits to prepare you for labour. It is also a great de-stressor that will leave you feeling balanced and connected with your baby.
Yoga Practice
I love this yoga practice because it has a great combination of toning, stretching and relaxation. A complete thirty minutes routine that leaves you energized for the day ahead. You will finish the practice feeling like “yoga routine-check”. You can maybe even include your pelvic floor exercises at the end of the practice and be set for the day. As a matter of fact, my pelvic floor physio loved this routine and gave me her approval.
During my first trimester it was a great way of gaining flexibility and toning my muscles. Now in my third trimester, I am finding it is more of a workout and great stretching routine. I literally feel tight the day I skip it, unfortunately we all live busy lives and sometimes I just don`t have the time.
Meditation Guideline
This was my mandatory morning meditation during my first trimester and into my second. It was the best way to start my day. It's relaxing, energizing, and actually gets your arms and abs toned. Above all, this meditation opens your heart chakra to the flow of love, which is a great way of connecting with your baby in this initial and very important phase of their life.
Meditation Guidelines
Written guidelines - Explains the pose, mantra and meaning behind this meditation
Meditation explanation - Short video explanation
11 meditation practice - Video to follow for the meditation practice
One thing I discovered is that the world of meditation is much bigger than I thought. I was under the impression that meditation could only be sitting in silence without moving, but soon found out that there is a meditation to cater your every need. I have been alternating meditations throughout my pregnancy, finding the one that suits best for each moment (depending on tiredness, size of my belly and grade of lower back pain). More on that to come, stay tuned!