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Yoga for moms

Yogasanas can aid safe childbirth

IN GOOD SHAPE Yoga makes a woman both physically and psychologically ready for pregnancy Photo: Mahesh Harilal

A young woman was in hospital and looked around her in disbelief — all the women in that ward had just become mothers and it was obvious childbirth had been an unpleasant, even a traumatic experience for every one of them. Many were visibly overweight, finding even simple movements impossible. In general, to all, the situation was clearly difficult to cope with.

The young woman too had just had her first baby. But she'd take care to prepare the ground throughout her pregnancy, and so had found the process of childbirth joyous and safe.

The secret

Sophy Hoare came out of hospital, went on to have three more children and decided to tell the world the secret of safe childbirth. She wrote a book called Yoga and Pregnancy.

In many homes today, choice has come to replace chance in conception. Parents-in-the-making want the yet-to-be-born to have a headstart in everything. If couples want nothing to be left out of their calculations, they should accord top priority to exercise, preferably the yoga way.

There are several excellent reasons for a woman to take to yoga prior to, during and after pregnancy.

At the psychological level, yoga gives the right mix of calmness and confidence necessary in anyone planning to have a baby; at the physical, the legs and spine acquire the required strength and elasticity; and in advanced stages, postural elegance makes for better ability to cope with the extra weight imposed by the growing foetus.

Many asanas are calculated to promote and reserve greater pelvic space. The visuals depict a selection from the various categories every woman should practise under expert guidance.

The BKS Iyengar system of yoga also encourages the practice of inversions. When done with the three Cs of abhyaas — care, caution and control — sirshasana, sarvangasana and the complements may be practised even in the ninth month. Sarvangasana is special — by effectively combating hypothyroidism, it is an insurance against miscarriage.

Deep breathing exercises bring about a good exchange of gases in the blood stream, and so, cause the quality of circulation to improve greatly.

That is not all. Pranayama, even the basic ujjayee done lying down, has a soothing effect on the nervous system.

So, it's highly desirable that parents-to-be take to yoga. You have nothing to lose but your own inhibitions and misconceptions.

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