Before, yoga was only applied and practice in India but now, looks like it has evolved. Almost all the people in the world know the word yoga although there are some who don’t have a clear picture of it. There is such suffering in the world because there is so much violence, and the Sutras tell us that future suffering should, and can, be avoided by the practice of the first of the Yamas – Ahimsa (non-violence). It seems to me to be the only attitude that can heal our ailing planet and is as relevant today as it ever was. As we become more aware of the importance of good prenatal care, pregnant women are turning to yoga, practicing postures like the Cat, Downward Dog & Warrior. Yoga is a great way to prepare your mind, body, and spirit for labor and childbirth.

Yoga devotees will be happy to know you can continue to practice yoga throughout your pregnancy. As your belly grows, a few adaptations to your regular practice will be necessary. A revised approach needs to take into consideration changes in the center of gravity, looser ligaments, weight gain and the various precautions & prohibitions that pregnancy brings yet without compromising an effective and fulfilling practice. It takes about 12 weeks for fluctuating hormone levels to stabilize during pregnancy and between weeks 7-14 it is important to take things gently-even if already practicing yoga. Patanjali is credited with writing the Yoga Sutras ( sutra means “thread” in Sanskrit), which are the principles, philosophy, and practices of yoga that are still followed today. Although many schools of yoga have evolved over the centuries, they all follow the fundamental principles described by Patanjali more than 2,000 years ago.

The benefits of practicing yoga regularly during pregnancy are manifold, preparing a woman both physically and mentally for the challenges of birth and beyond. It will help a woman become stronger and more flexible, reduce physical tension, stress and anxiety, teach better breathing and therefore more oxygen for the baby. In general, prenatal yoga is a gentler practice than regular yoga. It focuses on poses that strengthen the parts of women’s bodies that are under strain during pregnancy, such as the lower back, or that will be under strain during labor, such as the pelvic floor.

Frequently they mention that they no longer have cramps in the legs, or feel that their digestion is functioning properly again. Even those with a very big stomach can feel lightness in the body. However, there are some who have never tried it, relegating it as a hippie trend from the 60′s. Those individuals would rather look at their flexed bicep in the mirror at their gym. The pose imitates the stalk growing from the navel with the extended leg in that position.

What is your opinion?  Is it really a religious experience, or simply a cool exercise?