New parents Deepika Padukone and Ranveer Singh welcomed their baby girl on September 8. Both the actors were over the moon after becoming parents. However, following a healthy routine is essential during pregnancy for a healthy baby, and this is exactly what Deepika did. The Kalki 2898 AD actress followed a prenatal fitness regime which helped her stay fit. Earlier today, the celebrity yoga instructor ‘Anushka Yoga’ took to her Instagram where she shared a series of pictures with the Pathaan actress describing beautiful 9 months of prenatal-yoga.
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“A beautiful 9-months of prenatal-yoga with @deepikapadukone and this journey with you has been nothing short of beautiful. Guiding you through every breath, stretch, and asana as you prepared for this special chapter has been an incredible honor. Your commitment, positivity and trust in the process have truly shone through, and I’m so proud to have been a part of this journey. DP Today, my heart is full as I celebrate you and your beautiful healthy, happy baby. Here’s to new beginnings, endless love, and the magic of motherhood! Blessed to be a part of this transformative experience,” her Instagram post read.
How Can Prenatal Yoga Help During Pregnancy?
Prenatal yoga is gaining recognition as a beneficial practice for expectant mothers, providing both physical and mental support throughout pregnancy. It focuses on gentle stretches, controlled breathing, and relaxation techniques, helping women adapt to the physiological and emotional changes that occur during pregnancy. Here we have listed some health benefits of doing prenatal yoga during pregnancy:
Improves Physical Health
One of the primary benefits of prenatal yoga is its positive impact on physical health. During pregnancy, a woman’s body undergoes dramatic changes, including weight gain, hormonal fluctuations, and increased pressure on joints and muscles. Prenatal yoga can help alleviate common discomforts like lower back pain, sciatica, and swelling in the legs.
A study published in the journal Obstetrics and Gynecology found that women who practised prenatal yoga experienced reduced pregnancy-related discomforts, including back pain, nausea, and headaches. Yoga poses designed for pregnancy, such as the cat-cow stretch and modified squats, can improve posture, flexibility, and strength, which are essential during labour and delivery.
Reduces Stress and Anxiety
Pregnancy can be an emotionally challenging time, with anxiety over childbirth and the health of the baby often taking a toll on mental well-being. Prenatal yoga, which incorporates mindfulness and breathing exercises, has been shown to reduce stress and anxiety levels.
According to a study conducted by Complementary Therapies in Clinical Practice, pregnant women who practised yoga for 12 weeks showed significant reductions in anxiety and depression levels. Deep breathing exercises taught in yoga help lower cortisol levels, the stress hormone, promoting a sense of calm. This can improve both maternal and fetal well-being.
Promotes Better Sleep
Sleep disturbances are common during pregnancy, particularly in the third trimester. Prenatal yoga can improve sleep quality by promoting relaxation and reducing physical discomforts that may interfere with rest. Poses that encourage deep breathing and muscle relaxation can help the body prepare for sleep.
A study published in the journal Sleep Medicine Reviews found that pregnant women who practised yoga experienced fewer sleep problems compared to those who did not engage in physical activity. This can be attributed to the relaxation techniques and gentle movements that help reduce tension in the body.
Prepares for Labour
Prenatal yoga can play a crucial role in preparing a woman’s body for labour. The controlled breathing techniques practised during yoga can be applied during childbirth to manage pain and stay calm. Yoga also helps build the strength and endurance needed for labour, particularly in the hips, pelvis, and lower back, which bear much of the strain during delivery.
As per research, women who practised yoga during pregnancy had shorter labour times and reduced risk of labour interventions, such as cesarean sections or epidurals.