QuestionI have been practicing Ashtonga for years and before pregnany was learning 3rd series. I have returned to the mat 4 weeks ago after a 2 mo. break. I was advised not to practice in the 1st trimester...
I'm gathering as much info as I can to guide me through my pregnacy and practice. I have modified many many postures. My questions: Are gentel jump backs and jump throughs ok? If my body can get into the pose is it ok to do? Such as twists and forward bends? I have been treating my belly as if it is a fragile thing allowing for no compressions and no excessive pressure.
I guess I'm just looking for your thoughts on the matter...
Thanks!!
AnswerI don't know why your were not advised to practice during the first trimester, especially since you are well adapted. It has been shown that extreme weight lifting moves like heavy squats, clean and jerk, etc., greatly increases intra-abdominal pressure and might dislodge the placenta from the uterine wall. But I certainly can see something like this happening during yoga.
If you can still do jump backs and jump through with ease, and if you have good control over the movement, then no problem. But you'll find that you belly will at some point simply get in the way. Also, please read my previous answer regarding yoga and pregnancy, as I discuss the ramifications of positional low blood pressure as it relates to various yoga poses.
You belly is not fragile. Compression of the abdominal wall is done by the deepest muscle, the Transverse Abdominis, or TvA. This muscle should be kept as strong as possible during pregnancy to help prevent diastisis recti. Because the TvA works hard during labor to help push the baby out, keeping it strong aids delivery and is important.
You can find more info on how to adapt yoga and other exercise modalities for pregnancy on my web site at www.befitmom.com
