Pregnancy is one of the biggest transformations your body will ever go through, and it is well documented that safe exercise in pregnancy can lead to better outcomes for you, your birth and your baby. Keep in mind when you are looking for safe exercise in pregnancy, it is not a one size fits all situation. An Exercise Physiologist may be beneficial to you if you have never exercised before or have other underlying issues.

Not only is yoga a great source of exercise, it also focuses on mindfulness, breathwork. helps with birth preparation, can prevent aches and pains, and is a great glucose stabiliser.

Mindfulness and breathwork

Yoga has a strong emphasis on mindfulness and breathwork, offering women a unique opportunity to connect with their bodies, growing babies and calm their minds. Mindfulness practice helps with reducing stress and anxiety which are not only commonplace in pregnancy, but they are factors that can impact your blood glucose levels. Learning to breath mindfully can be a powerful tool in managing and maintaining emotional well-being throughout pregnancy and birth.

Glucose stabilisation

Maintaining stable blood glucose levels is the main goal when managing diabetes in pregnancy. Yoga, with its gentle yet effective movements, can contribute to glucose stabilisation as an effective form of exercise. The emphasis on controlled movements and breathing can aid in regulating insulin production, supporting overall glucose management.

Body movement for birth preparation

Pregnancy yoga focuses on stretches, poses and movements that are specifically designed to prepare the body for childbirth. For women with diabetes, who may face additional challenges like managing an induction of labour, these movements can improve flexibility, strength and endurance, creating an optimal physical environment for a smoother birthing process. The controlled and mindful movements can also alleviate common pregnancy discomforts.

Smooth Recovery

Postpartum recovery is a critical phase, and pregnancy yoga can play a significant role in promoting a smooth transition for women. The practice helps in toning and strengthening the muscles that may have been strained in pregnancy and childbirth. Additionally, the mindfulness aspects of yoga can contribute to a positive mental state, aiding the emotional aspects of recovery.

If you are considering Yoga for the first time throughout your pregnancy it helps to be guided by a Yoga teacher with pregnancy training, as some poses can be troublesome in pregnancy. You can check out this fabulous Yoga Journal for some inspiration, or if classes are not your thing you can enter 'prenatal yoga' into the search bar on you tube and start in the comfort of your own home. Namaste.