Prenatal yoga: What you need to know

Prenatal yoga can be a great way to prepare for childbirth. Find out if this type of prenatal exercise is right for you. If you're pregnant and looking for ways to relax or stay fit, you might be considering prenatal yoga. But did you know that prenatal yoga might also help you prepare for labor and promote your baby's health?

Before you start prenatal yoga, understand the range of possible benefits, as well as what a typical class entails and important safety tips. What are the benefits of prenatal yoga? Much like other types of childbirth-preparation classes, prenatal yoga is a multifaceted approach to exercise that encourages stretching, mental centering and focused breathing. Research suggests that prenatal yoga is safe and can have many benefits for pregnant women and their babies.

Prenatal yoga can:

Improve sleep Reduce stress and anxiety Increase the strength, flexibility and endurance of muscles needed for childbirth Decrease lower back pain, nausea, headaches and shortness of breath Prenatal yoga can also help you meet and bond with other pregnant women and prepare for the stress of being a new parent.