Prenatal Yoga? - Happy Valley,OR

I loved doing yoga when i was pregnant. Then again, I loved doing yoga when I wasn't pregnant.

I think doing yoga helped me relax through out the pregnancy, and when I was in labor, I was able to center myself, breath through contractions. Was it all because of the yoga? Probably not. Did the yoga help though? Probably.

I say if you're used to doing it, keep doing it. If you've never done it before and you're interested, then try it. If you want to do it only because you think it might help with labor, then it's probably not worth it.

I did it once a week and found it to be very helpful both mentally and physically. I ended up having to have a c-section (due to sideways breech presentation) so I cannot speak to the labor part.

Well from my experience if you don't already do yoga or if you really don't have real interest in it, then it stick to your present exercise program with modifications, or go to a class where an professional can help you!
I had a yoga CD and really don't have a passion for it so it did not help me at all, especially since I only did the CD once.
If you find that it is not for you, then I suggest a lot of walking and a lot of stretching will help with labor, and not a megar stroll, real walking, or slight jog.
But I'm sure Yoga will help you get back in shape! It is a great way to strengthen your muscles!
Good luck!

I did yoga twice a week for about 1 1/2 years before my oldest was born. I can't speak about labor (emergency c-section), but I can tell you that the classes were so good for me.

It's not a workout in the same was as aerobics or kickboxing. It does strengthen all your muscles (and I do mean all) and greatly increase flexibility. It really is meditative in nature, so I found it to be so relaxing.

I actually signed up for classes that met twice a week and went with a co-worker. For me, that's the best way to be successful.

I do yoga for 5 minutes a day after I do about 20 minutes of kickboxing. I did prenatal yoga with my first two pregnancies, and found it to not be enough of a workout for me.

I doubt the yoga effected my first labors. What was more important was my frame of mind and ability to control my breathing (meditative practice).

I did yoga all the way through and day of. I'm a lucky one, genetically: I had a good labor and I bounced back easily. Also breastfed and super conscious of what I eat in my everyday life.

That said, what helped me MOST, was my mindset in opening and welcoming my daughter into the world. I felt I was preparing to change who I was to be and focus on nurturing self so I could nurture her was invaluable. Still is: )

I think that prenatal yoga was, perhaps, the single most important thing i did during my three pregnancies. I believe that the studio i used probably does it particularly well, but there are a number of aspects i found beneficial.
These ranged from the 'question/comment' going around the room we did in each class (a great place to get sympathy and great advice from other pregnant women), to the physical conditioning that was gentle and targeted for pregnancy capability and needs, to the in-the-moment yoga attitude which helped during labor and later in parenthood.

I did yoga before and all through my pregnancy, almost every day. Apparently I handled labor so well that the doctor asked my mother if she was sure that I hadn't already had a baby. Unfortunately I totally slacked off afterwards.