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| Pregnancy FAQ Can I practice Bikram when I am expecting? Yes, Bikram Yoga is scientifically designed to bring fresh oxygenated blood to 100% of the body. It is one of the best things you can for a healthy uncomplicated pregnancy. If you have been practising regularly (three plus times per week) for at least six months you may continue your practice as normal for the first trimester and adapt to the pregnancy series for the second and third trimester. If you have not pracitsed regularly or not at all, it is advised not to practise during the frist trimester and then adapt to the pregnancy series for the second and third trimester. Will Bikram Yoga help me conceive? When a regular practice is maintained the body is at its optimal, hormone levels are regulated and it is much easier to predict ovulation. If you are having difficulty conceiving, practice every day for 60 days to restore your body to optimal health. Will the heat affect my pregnancy? Although there is no medical research into the effects of Bikram Yoga on a pregnancy, there is medical research on the effects of sauna bathing on pregnancy and also the effect of intense exercise on pregnancy. Sauna bathing does not influencce fertility and is safe during uncomplicated pregnancies of healthy women. Am J Med. 2001;110:118-126 The same study found frequent sauna bathing improves heat tolerance and reduces the magnitude of changes. Almost all mothers in Finland take the sauna regularly during pregnancy, but the incidence of central nervous system defects in Finland is one of the lowest in the world. Research on the effects of intense training during and after pregnancy in top-level athletes, published July 2004 in the Scandinavian Journal of Medicine and Science in Sports found that well-trained women can benefit substantially from training at high volumes during an uncomplicated pregnancy. When can I resume my practice post natal? If there are no complications, the pregnancy series can be resumed as soon as you wish, and should be followed for the first six weeks. Findings from the cited study above found that training at high volumes can faciliate a rapid return to competitive athletics and physically active life after pregnancy. Can I practise while nursing? Absolutely, the series will promote milk production Testamonials from Anne Leonard, Director Bikram Yoga Dublin I was 35 when I had my daughter and practiced four to five times a week for the duration of my pregnancy until the due date. I found it absolutely invaluable, both for my body and my mind. My pregnancy was uncomplicated thoroughout and the total labour was approximately five hours, two hours established labour with contractions every two minutes for 40 seconds. I firmly believe the yoga prevented nausea by not allowing a toxin build up in my body, also because the series promotes the effective absorption of food, I didn't need to take iron supplements. I also believe the yoga facilitated an active birth, gave a sense of calmness and at the same time I remained alert throughout. from Sinead Hickie “Now in my 9th month of an uncomplicated and thoroughly enjoyable pregnancy, I have one main area of my life to thank and that is Bikram (and of course my husband Stuart who is also a big Bikram fan!). Through Bikram I have been able to maintain optimum fitness (of body & mind) whilst also enjoying a healthy pregnancy. I have had very few, if any of the often unpleasant side-effects associated with pregnancy and have maintained my fitness and body shape throughout the 9 months. In my opinion, Bikram Yoga not only agrees with pregnancy, it positively supports it. In fact I would so far as to say that my Bikram practice is more essential to my fitness & wellbeing during pregnancy than ever before. I had been practicing Bikram for 12 months before I became pregnant. During the 1st Trimester I continued with my normal practice and then modified to the Pregnancy Series after that. I have found this customized series to be fantastic for the pregnant body. The various postures not only allow you to stretch in all the right places, they strengthen you in all the right places too, which mean that as your bump grows your body adjusts to your changing shape. This practice also allows your Bump the space it needs, which is a wonderful feeling especially if you have been sitting at a desk all day. But not only does it give your bump some space, it also gives your mind great space and this is one of the invaluable benefits of Bikram. Pregnancy brings so many changes to your life, it is an ease and a joy to have a constant Bikram practice, a place where you can go and tune in to your inner self. |
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