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Delivering expected results

A good therapeutic option for a trouble-free labour

Photo: M. Moorthy

PROMPT A sincere attempt

Ask your grandmother whether she has had a Caesarean delivery. Chances are that she might take offence. If you persist, her answer would invariably be a "no." But the situation now is in stark contrast. The number of women delivering children under Caesarean section is on the increase.

Poor mental strength

"The mental strength has reduced. Many patients do not cooperate in the operation theatre," says S. Chitra, obstetrician and gynaecologist, narrating her experience. When she decided to help her expectant patients practise yoga to ensure easy delivery the doctor sought the help of a yoga master and explained her need. Together, they drew up a module with `pranayama' and `asanas' and made her patients practise them on an experimental basis.

One of her patients found it so useful at the time of labour that she started advocating it to other patients. Dr. Chitra quickly realised that it was better to let women who had actually practised yoga during their pregnancy share their experience with expectant mothers. The idea bore fruit and soon found several takers. This happened five years ago.

Today, yoga classes for pregnant women form part of the regular schedule at Dr. Chithra's Lalitha Nursing Home every Saturday.

P. Vijayakumar, a yoga teacher, guides the pregnant women through the asana regimen, which includes Bandhakonasana, Thadasana, Arthakadi Chakra Asana, Uttkasana and pranayamas like Suryanadi pranayama, Chandranadi pranayama and Nadisudhi pranayama. Beside yoga, he also recommends `air bath' or a tension-free walk in the evenings for at least 15 minutes.

A proper nutritious diet is also essential with a strict no to junk food.

Post natal exercises

"In south India, women do not pay attention to themselves after pregnancy. They tend to put on weight." So he also teaches post-natal exercises so that mothers are not left with a paunch.

Pregnant women are advised to start practising yoga from the second month. During the first trimester, one can start with meditation and simple breathing exercises.

When the second trimester starts, the expectant mother can start practising asanas and continue up to the time of delivery. Often, it is difficult to convince the parents of the patient.

"They think yoga is too strenuous, assuming it involves standing upside down," says Dr. Chithra. But patients who practise yoga seem to be convinced of its benefits.

Thirty-one-year-old A. Uma Maheshwari is in the fifth month of pregnancy and expecting her first child. She has been practising yoga regularly from the second month and reports relief from nausea. Yoga may not be the ultimate solution for ensuring normal delivery.

But those who practise yoga are able to control their breathing while pushing out their baby and are not "trouble makers," according to Dr. Chitra. She finds yoga of therapeutic value, both for her and her patients, and offers the classes free of cost exclusively to her patients.

REENA R

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