Pregnancy Anxiety - Can Yoga Help?

Each pregnancy is a unique experience and we all navigate the journey differently. Pregnancy comes with SO many changes, many of which aren't spoken about so it can feel quite lonely at times too. Then you add in racing hormones and some women find they can go from elation to anxiety in seconds!

It doesn't matter whether you’re a first-time parent or adding to your family. Nine months of pregnancy takes a toll on us all.

Prenatal yoga can be hugely beneficial in reducing stress and stilling the mind. Here are just a few of the main benefits:

Reducing physical tension:

Yoga can help reduce physical tension in the body, which in turn can help reduce anxiety. As the body becomes more relaxed, the mind also tends to calm down. Gentle yoga postures like Cat-Cow and Child's Pose can be particularly helpful for reducing physical tension.

Promoting relaxation:

Yoga can also promote relaxation by regulating the breath and activating the parasympathetic nervous system, which is responsible for the body's rest-and-digest response. Practices like deep breathing, guided relaxation, and meditation can be particularly helpful in promoting relaxation.

Improving sleep:

Many pregnant women experience sleep disturbances, which can exacerbate anxiety. Yoga can help improve sleep quality by reducing stress levels and promoting relaxation. Practicing gentle yoga postures and relaxation techniques before bedtime can be particularly helpful in promoting restful sleep.

Building mindfulness

Mindfulness is the practice of being present and fully engaged in the present moment. Yoga can help build mindfulness by encouraging the practitioner to focus on the breath and bodily sensations. Mindfulness can help reduce anxiety by bringing attention away from anxious thoughts and into the present moment.

Community support:

Joining a prenatal yoga class can provide pregnant women with a supportive community of other women who are also going through pregnancy. This can help reduce feelings of isolation and anxiety and provide a sense of belonging. With Breathe Yoga London this is also something you can continue after your baby arrives with our very popular Mama & Baby Yoga Classes.

If this blog post has tempted you to try out some pregnancy yoga I would love to introduce you to The Dream Birth Collective: Pregnancy Yoga Online Course.

Whether you’re feeling anxious or totally relaxed about your pregnancy, taking a moment to yourself each day to come back to your body, reconnect with your baby and prepare for the beautiful journey ahead, is essential to your wellbeing. This course and community will give you permission to stop, reflect and think about your mothering journey. To identify with your new self and create space for your baby.

Find out more about The Dream Birth Collective: Pregnancy Yoga Course here.