Yoga is derived from the Sanskrit word yuk, which means “yoke,” or to join together. The basic translation has come to be “union.” Using the concept of the union of body, mind, and soul, yoga offers many benefits to you during your pregnancy, birth, and postpartum. Some practitioners look at it as a bonding of mother and baby, even before birth.

Yoga Benefits

The benefits of yoga go beyond the typical benefits of the physical body. Yoga is definitely a fitness activity that takes the mind and soul into consideration as well. This can be very useful to you as you begin your journey into parenthood, even if it is not the first time you have been down this path.

Yoga is actually a generic term used to encompass many different forms of yoga. Hatha yoga, iyengar yoga, and ashtanga yoga are the most common forms in the Western world. But there are many more forms of yoga. Each of these forms employs an ancient concept of physical well-being and balance with the mental and spiritual side of your body and soul. They stress strength, relaxation, and flexibility as a way to unite the body.

By using poses or asanas, you learn to strengthen your body. You increase your flexibility. You develop a sense of inner wisdom as you learn more about your pregnant body.

Yoga as a Process

It is also important to note that yoga is process-oriented rather than goal-oriented. This means it does not matter how many times you perform a movement or pose, but that you focus on it while participating fully. Tackle each pose as if it is the only pose you will do. Focus completely and entirely on the pose as you do it. Do not let your mind wander to the next pose or the day ahead. This is a different viewpoint from regular exercise that frequently focuses on the number of repetitions.