Whether you are in your first trimester or nearing the delivery of your baby, there are many benefits of practicing yoga during pregnancy.  You don’t have to be a yogi to do so – find some simple yoga poses and give them a try! Here are just a few of the benefits of prenatal yoga:

Reduce Stress

The beauty of having nine months of pregnancy is that you get a chance to prepare for what your body, mind, and spirit are going to experience during labor. Prenatal yoga with a focus on pranayama (breath control) helps control stress levels before, during, and after labor. When you focus on the breath, you return to the present moment. If you can learn to do this during labor, you can essentially do this anytime!

Healthy You, Healthy Baby

Research has found a host of health benefits from prenatal yoga, including decreased back pain, reduced complications during pregnancy, and a decrease in pregnancy related diabetes and high blood pressure. Like any other yoga class, regular Prenatal Yoga can help burn calories and build strength and flexibility. When you feel good, your baby feels good.

Tune Into Your Own Needs

When you take time for yourself, it allows you to tune into your needs. Any time we turn inwards, it allows for the body, mind and spirit to help heal any emotional or physical aches and pains. When the body and mind are calm, it gives your baby a chance to grow in a peaceful, serene environment. Ultimately, tuning in allows you to love and nurture yourself and your baby.

These are just a few of the benefits of yoga for pregnancy. Whether you practice in a studio or at home with a few DVDs, you will enjoy a more relaxing and pain free pregnancy with just a few daily poses.

This is a guest blog post by Neelu Kaur.  Neelu Kaur is the owner and founder of Neelu Kaur Ayurvedic Oils (neelukaur.com) and SattvicLiving (sattviclivingny.com). She is a certified Yoga Instructor and Ayurveda Specialist.  Neelu is certified in Ayurveda Yoga Therapy, Hatha Vinyasa, Restorative, Prenatal and Rocket yoga. She is a holistic Ayurvedic Specialist focusing on healing through the five senses. She currently practices and teaches in the New York City area. Neelu Kaur holds a BS from New York University and an MA from Columbia University.