High Risk Pregnancy: Is Yoga Safe?

Many women may rightly question the safety of yoga during a high-risk pregnancy. Fortunately, within certain parameters, studies that were conducted in India say it's safe. According to the Prenatal Yoga Centers website, yoga can be a great way to reduce stress and hypertension in high-risk pregnancies as well as improving the health and development of your baby.

Preeclampsia

Preeclampsia is becoming more common in this day and age. This is when a pregnant woman develops high blood pressure, which can be accompanied by protein in her urine.

Occasionally, preeclampsia is manageable, but the only true cure is to deliver the baby. If you are one of the women with a high risk pregnancy and you're sick of bed rest, then you will be happy to know that studies have shown a decrease in preeclampsia through the practice of yoga. There are gentle stretching poses that can be done in bed, beginning with a focus on pranayama, or breathing practices. Combining stretches and breathing stimulate the relaxation response, and cause the production of endorphins and a feeling of well being. Make sure to discuss with your caregiver first.

Gestational Diabetes

Most of you have taken the dreaded glucose test or are getting ready to take it. This tests for a high-risk pregnancy complication called gestational diabetes. This is when your glucose level is elevated, even if you're not diabetic when you're not pregnant. Oftentimes other diabetes symptoms will pop up while you're pregnant too.

Elevated glucose levels and stress go hand in hand. If you are feeling really stressed throughout your pregnancy, then practicing anything to de-stress can lower your chances of gestational diabetes: rest, yoga, less work responsibilities, time for yourself.

Intrauterine Growth Restriction

Intrauterine Growth Restriction is a high-risk pregnancy complication that you definitely don't want to have. This means your baby is under the 10th percentile for age and weight, while they are still developing in your womb. This is definitely a health risk that will be monitored closely.

Some of the factors mentioned above contribute to this complication along with abnormal formation of the placenta and cardiovascular condition in mother or baby.

One way of treating this complication is bed rest, in order to maximize blood flow to the uterus. Yoga definitely would be beneficial at maximizing uterine blood flow, because decreasing the mothers blood pressures dilates the blood vessels and allows for more blood flow to the uterus.

Relax

Now that you have educated yourself, it is time to sit up tall, breathe deeply, and do some energizing and relaxing stretches. Devote yourself to some regular mama and baby time. You may be able to sit on the floor, or on the bed. Prop up your back with pillows. Get a strap or, towel, or belt. Put on some relaxing music and begin to move your body gently from the toes to the neck. Some instructors will come to you just make sure they are trained in yoga for pregnancy. You will definitely start to feel the benefits this can have throughout your high-risk pregnancy.

Learn more about keeping your pregnancy low risk by visiting http://www.birthclassathome.com for your free Healthy Birth Booklet which contains "6 Steps to a Safer Birth." Learn how best to prepare for your baby's day of birth with trusted guidance and support.

Disclaimer: The information contained in this article is for educational purposes only and should not be used for diagnosis or to guide treatment without the opinion of a health professional. Any reader should contact a licensed medical professional regarding their own condition.

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