Getting Fit (Yoga) Before Pregnancy?
November 30, 2009I am 27 years old and I started a Baptiste Yoga class a few months ago and kept up with it of about 5 weeks. I had to stop for about a little over month due to a hectic work schedule and traveling around for my job. I have the time to get back into Baptiste Yoga, and plan to do so regularly. My plan is to do so 2 times a week at 90 minute intervals (Beginner classes). I am motivated to do this because I have found that Yoga has done some wonderful things for me - Yoga regulated my nonexistent period. I went from no cycle at all for months to having a regular cycle every 47 days (still not 28 day cycle but a regular period). However after doing Yoga for 5 weeks and stopping for a little over a month I missed my most recent period (not pregnant). I do have hashimoto’s (thyroid) and taking syntroid. However I think that the yoga is what is causing me to have a period. Prior to staring yoga a while back (7-8 months ago) I did go see my OBGYN who wanted to put me on birth control however, I don’t like the idea of taking the pill - it really throws my mantra off and I have heard some negative things about it in addition to having several bad experiences. I like like the fact that yoga was able to regulate me naturally without taking contraceptives to regulate me. Anyway enough back story - So here is the question. I would like to get pregnant sometime next year (April - June) and have never been super active (am a bit overweight, 230 pounds - I did lose 15 pounds during the 5 weeks I did go to yoga and also have been vegetarian for about 6 months now). I would like to start Yoga again December 1 and am wondering how long do I have to do Yoga or be active to be able to have a fit pregnancy (meaning continue doing yoga and be active while pregnant). Do you think that I am on the right track to getting a good start on my pregnancy and having a healthy pregancy for both the baby and me?
I think yoga is great and it’s definitely a big step in the right direction. But to actually get fit and lose weight, you will need to do more than yoga. Yoga is great for stretching, and general relaxation but to get fit I would suggest walking a couple of times a week, swimming, or aquafit.
December 1st, 2009 at 5:21 am
I think yoga is great and it’s definitely a big step in the right direction. But to actually get fit and lose weight, you will need to do more than yoga. Yoga is great for stretching, and general relaxation but to get fit I would suggest walking a couple of times a week, swimming, or aquafit.
References :
Pregnant with #2; with #1 I was extremely active until very close to delivery.
December 1st, 2009 at 5:40 am
I believe that yoga and other exercises like Pilates is excellent for pre-natal and pregnancy! Yoga and Pilates specifically help to shape and tone the body and activate glands and systems in the body which control hormone production etc! Also, by strengthening your core muscles which yoga does, it actually prepares the body for birth and can assist you to have a less traumatic birth. Continuing with light exercise throughout your pregnancy will help you to keep the weight down naturally, will regulate your hormones and metabolism, release postural and muscle tension and reduce stress!
Just the fact that your body has responded so well to the yoga previously is a very good sign!
I would say that if you are going to TTC around April-June then you should try and start going to yoga religiously in January so you’ve got a good 4 months if you fall pregnant immediately. It also means that by the time you start trying, hopefully your cycles will have settled a bit!
As long as you always feel comfortable in class and have no pain or cramp you can do yoga right through the pregnancy. If you’re ever not sure, ask your doctor for some advice. But all doctors generally prescribe light exercise becuase the benefits are so good!
Good luck and well done for taking responsibility for your health and pregnancy!
References :
Finishing my masters in Homeopathy and ex-paramedic