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4 Ways Online Yoga Classes Can Be Beneficial For Expecting Moms

Pregnancy and childbirth are among the most exhilarating and frightening experiences of a woman's life. The hormones in the body bring about  mental and physical change during and after pregnancy. While physical health is important, the mental well-being of both mother is critical during this time. Depressive symptoms during pregnancy have been linked to an increased risk of stillbirth, low birth weight, and postnatal difficulties. Neurodevelopmental disorders, and behavioural, emotional, and cognitive difficulties, are also a result of it. Premature birth and other difficulties have been linked to high levels of stress. 

In order to reduce the risk of having a child with mental or physical disabilities, it is imperative that pregnant women manage their stress, and depression effectively. Pregnant women who uptake online yoga classes report less worry, and depressive symptoms. It is because of yoga’s emphasis on being present in the moment and accepting the changes that are about to take place (self-acceptance).

Pregnant mothers can opt for Realisely’s course “Detox your Body with Yoga in 7 days” to enjoy the benefits of yoga. 

How Do Anxiety, Stress, and Depression Affect the Birth Process?

When a pregnant woman experiences symptoms of depression, anxiety, or stress, her body releases cortisol, a hormone associated with stress. The umbilical cord is a conduit for the passage of stress chemicals to the fetus. Even if the fetus is not physically harmed by the hormone, it is possible to suffer from some mental issues after birth. 

Studies have shown that children whose moms were under a lot of stress during pregnancy tended to be more aggressive and less empathetic. They had a poor  immune system and lower tolerance levels.

When a pregnant woman is joyful and energetic, the body releases endorphins, which are happy hormones. The umbilical cord also carries these hormones to the fetus, which results in healthy babies. As a result, children who were raised by calm and contented mothers had greater levels of tolerance and resistance to illness. Their moods improved quickly and they had more empathy for others.

1. During Pregnancy, Online Yoga Classes Help Relieve Stress

A study indicated that pregnant women who participated in online yoga classes in their second- or third-trimester saw significant improvements in their emotional and physical wellbeing. Techniques for dealing with pain, unpleasant feelings, and difficult social situations were taught to the participants. They were able to reduce their stress levels by becoming more relaxed and better able to deal with their physical changes as a result of the intervention. But pregnant mothers should keep in mind that they should not practice yoga for the first time before 14 weeks, according to yoga guidelines. 

Furthermore, in a study on yoga and pregnancy, women who were worried about childbirth and the agony associated with it were able to forego an elective cesarean section because of the lower levels of stress and anxiety that they experienced through yoga. As a result, online yoga classes help pregnant women feel less anxious and more in control of their situation. 

2. Pregnancy Yoga Improves Positive Emotions

Because we are shaped by our past experiences, our past experiences can hinder us in different ways. For example, a woman's first pregnancy may have been a bad experience for her. Assuming things will remain the same as they were during her first pregnancy, she doesn't allow new experiences to take hold. In women's minds, pregnancy is always difficult and stressful, so they find it hard to move past their old perceptions. So, they feel unable to fully appreciate the uniqueness of her pregnancy. As a result, past bad experiences can increase feelings of anxiety and stress, and even contribute to depression in certain people.

Despite this, prenatal yoga has the potential to help women become more aware of their changing emotions and body structure. It's also allowing people to become more aware of the changes and stop ruminating on the past. According to a study conducted, women who take online yoga classes report better physical and mental wellbeing. Practicing yoga while pregnant boosts women's confidence, vigor, willpower, and other pleasant emotions.

3. Yoga Prevents Premature Births

There are many cases of premature babies in this century. The term "premature baby" refers to infants born before the 37th week of pregnancy. Breathing, vision, and hearing difficulties are common among them. Delays in tooth-brushing, walking, and talking, are also common. Mothers of premature babies often suffer from the "baby blues," a combination of worry, despair, and stress. After the delivery of a child, moms may begin to feel blue, increasing the likelihood that their breast milk will pass on stress hormones to their newborns. The exhaustion from staying up late at night and not getting enough sleep during the day stops mothers from acknowledging their feelings.

Mothers' coping mechanisms for depression, anxiety, and stress have been upgraded by yoga practices. Negative emotions are easier for them to handle now. There were fewer premature births and fewer underweight newborns after 168 pregnant women participated in a trial that included yoga. Another study found that mothers who took online yoga classes had higher APGAR scores for their infants. The APGAR score is a measure of a baby's general health at the time of birth.

4. Yoga Enhances Physical and Mental Well-Being

The development of a fetus is dependent on the health of the mother, both physically and psychologically. According to a study conducted, babies born to yoga-practicing mothers had fewer developmental issues. The 10-month follow-up study found that those toddlers had less trouble calming down and adapting to new situations (resilience) than the control group. When a child started weeping, it was easier for them to calm down and understand what they could and could not touch. In a separate study, researchers found that ten-month-old babies whose moms were attentive were able to use their attentional resources more effectively.

Online yoga classes have been demonstrated to improve the health and well-being of pregnant women in some studies. Those mothers who regularly practice yoga meditation gained more weight healthily than those who didn't do so. They had a higher sense of well-being and were able to perform better in their daily routines.

Conclusion

Pregnant women benefit from yoga, and so do their children.  benefits continue far beyond the fetus or the infant, and may even extend into adulthood. When it comes to calming down pregnant women, yoga practices are unbeatable. It improves mood, boosts self-esteem, and helps pregnant women manage emotional difficulties properly.

Read More: Benefits of Yoga on Heart, Kidneys, and Gut

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