Practicing yoga during pregnancy can ease discomfort and stress, according to research published in the May-June issue of "The Journal of Obstetric, Gynecologic, and Neonatal Nursing." This article was conducted by researchers at the School of Nursing at Walden University in Minneapolis and states that women who started yoga practice earlier in their pregnancy had better results. There are several books available that offer yoga exercise instructions specifically for pregnant women, but you should always speak to your physician before adding a new exercise regimen to your routine.
Sandra Jordan
Sandra Jordan is the author of "Yoga for Pregnancy: Ninety-Two Safe, Gentle Stretches Appropriate for Pregnant Women & New Mothers." AmazingPregnancy.com recommends this book for women who wish to practice yoga during pregnancy. Jordan is a certified intermediate Iyengar yoga instructor in Hawaii who has been teaching since 1980 and conducts prenatal classes. This book utilizes her vast knowledge on the subject and offers step-by-step instructions with photos. This book also points out which poses are most appropriate during each trimester.
Francoise Barbira Freedman
Francoise Barbira Freedman lives in Cambridge, England, and is the founder of Birthright, a charity that is focused on holistic pregnancy and childbirth. She is also the author of "Yoga for Pregnancy, Birth and Beyond," published in 2004 by Dorling Kindserly Books. According to the Birthright website, the Birthright training structure was based on her books and teachings, which offer classic poses, breathing techniques and relaxation for use during pregnancy, the birthing process and after.
Rosalind Widdowson
Rosalind Widdowson wrote "Yoga for Pregnancy," which was published in 2008 and is based on Hatha yoga. This book contains breathing techniques and has sections for early, mid and late pregnancy and is fully illustrated. According to MyOnlineWellnes.com, Widdowson has been teaching yoga for over 30 years and has first-hand knowledge of the advantages of proper yoga techniques for pregnant women.
Judith Hanson Lasater, Ph.D.
"Yoga for Pregnancy: What Every Mom-To-Be Needs to Know" is written by Judith Hanson Lasater, Ph.D., a physical therapist as well as a yoga instructor. Her book, published in 2004 by Rodmell Press, focuses on keeping you healthy and flexible throughout pregnancy and includes breathing techniques and a section devoted to mantras, one for each month of pregnancy. Lasater is currently working with the National Institutes of Health on the way yoga can help with certain disorders.
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