Yoga is generally considered to be safe during pregnancy. However, as your body changes, there are certain types of yoga poses that you will want to avoid. For instance, pregnant women should avoid poses that require them to lie on their stomachs or backs.
Other poses to avoid include inversions, deep twists, and anything that puts pressure on the abdomen or pelvis.
Here are 12 yoga poses to avoid during pregnancy:
1. Prone Positions (Laying on Stomach)
During pregnancy, it is not recommended to lay on your stomach, and this position can put unnecessary pressure on the belly and can be uncomfortable as the pregnancy progresses.
2. Supine Positions (Laying on Back)
Similar to prone positions, you should also avoid supine positions during pregnancy. Laying on your back for an extended period can decrease blood flow to the baby and cause dizziness or nausea.
3. Inversions
Inversions, such as headstands and shoulder stand, should be avoided during pregnancy. These poses can cause your blood pressure to drop and can lead to dizziness.
4. Deep Twists
Deep twists can compress the abdomen and be challenging to get out of if you feel nauseous or dizzy. Pregnant women should avoid deep twists or anything that puts pressure on the abdomen.
5. Camel Pose
Camel pose is an advanced yoga pose that you should avoid during pregnancy. This pose can compress the abdomen and put unnecessary strain on the back.
6. Crow Pose
The crow pose is another advanced yoga pose that pregnant women should avoid. This pose puts pressure on the abdomen and can cause nausea or dizziness.
7. Hand-to-Big-Toe Pose
The hand-to-big-toe pose is a challenging balance pose you should avoid during pregnancy. This pose puts pressure on the abdomen and can cause dizziness or nausea.
8. Warrior III Pose
Warrior III pose a challenging balance pose that you should avoid during pregnancy. This pose can cause you to lose your balance and fall, which could be dangerous for you and your baby.
9. Boat Pose
The boat pose is a challenging balance pose you should avoid during pregnancy, and this pose puts unnecessary strain on the back and can cause you to lose your balance and fall.
10. Headstands or Shoulder Stands
Headstands and shoulder stands are both inversions that you should avoid during pregnancy. These poses can cause your blood pressure to drop and can lead to dizziness.
11. Half Moon Pose
The half-moon pose is a challenging balance pose that you should avoid during pregnancy. This pose puts unnecessary strain on the back and can cause you to lose your balance and fall.
12. Lotus Pose
Lotus pose is an advanced yoga pose that women should avoid during pregnancy. This pose can compress the abdomen and put unnecessary strain on the back. Therefore, it is best to avoid this pose during pregnancy.
If you are experienced in yoga and have been practicing before becoming pregnant, you may be able to do this pose with modifications. However, it is still best to avoid this pose if possible.
Conclusion
Overall, women should avoid many yoga poses during pregnancy. The ones outlined above are just a few of the many that can be dangerous for both you and your baby.
If you are pregnant, it is best to consult your doctor before starting any yoga practice. They can help you determine which poses are safe for you and which ones you should avoid.