The health benefits of yoga are countless. From improving mental wellness to building physical strength and stamina, yoga can completely change a person’s life, especially for women who are trying to become pregnant.
Here women can discover all the different ways yoga can boost reproductive health and increase chances of becoming pregnant:
Physically
Practicing yoga regularly has noticeably positive effects on the body like muscle toning and increased stamina, but the physical benefits of yoga for hopeful moms-to-be may not be as well known.
Adapting a regular yoga practice when trying to conceive helps to loosen muscles and break down scar tissue which then increases blood flow to the reproductive organs. Additionally, yoga positions like chair pose, goddess pose, crescent lunge, and pigeon pose are great hip openers that will also strengthen the pelvic floor — preparing you for childbearing and childbirth.
Some women have also found yoga to be useful in alleviating symptoms of endometriosis — a medical condition where the uterine lining attaches to organs outside of the uterus, leading to possible infertility. The most common symptom of endometriosis is abnormal and excruciating period pain. Though there is no cure for endo, many women who present symptoms are prescribed birth control to help lessen the pain and to decrease the internal damage caused from misplaced uterine tissue — increasing the likelihood of conceiving.
Mentally
Yoga is known to be a powerful force on one’s mental state. Not only is aerobic exercise incredibly beneficial for the brain, but the mindfulness and controlled breathing behind yoga has been shown in studies to decrease feelings of anxiety and depression significantly.
Believe it or not, there is also evidence to believe that a link exists between prolonged feelings of anxiety and the ability to conceive. “Your body is smart. It knows that (periods of high stress) aren’t good times to have a baby,” noted Alice Domar Ph.D., executive director of the Domar Center for Mind/Body Health. The calm mind developed through yoga practice leads to more positive thoughts, making it easier to manifest pregnancy through visualization and imagery.
Yoga is also about making conscious connections, with our inner spirit, our bodies, and with the people we love; ultimately strengthening the love and appreciation we have for our partners and increasing feelings of desire towards them.
Boosts Libido
Women who are stressed tend to have less sex, which goes without saying that the chances of conceiving then decrease. However, yoga increases libido by reducing stress, releasing endorphins through aerobic exercise, and increasing oxygen levels and blood flow to the pelvic region. Poses that help to increase libido in women include:
- Lotus pose
- Downward facing dog
- Seated wide angle forward bend
- Shoulder stand
- Cat/cow flow
- Happy baby pose
- Eagle pose
Of course, it is important to consult your OBGYN before starting a yoga routine if you are trying to get pregnant. If you do become pregnant, make sure to get clearance for practicing yoga during pregnancy and take classes taught specifically for pregnant women as many yoga classes could be dangerous, especially in the first trimester.
Read more here – Yoga Asana for Sexual Energy
