Can I do yoga while pregnant?

Yes, yoga is generally safe and beneficial during pregnancy when practiced with appropriate modifications. Prenatal yoga can help reduce stress, improve sleep, decrease lower back pain, and prepare the body for childbirth. However, certain modifications are essential: avoid lying on your back after the first trimester, skip deep twists that compress the abdomen, avoid hot yoga, and don't overstretch (pregnancy hormones make joints hypermobile). Always consult your doctor before starting, especially if you have a high-risk pregnancy. Look for prenatal yoga classes with certified instructors.

Key Takeaways

• 1Yoga is generally safe and beneficial during pregnancy
• 2Reduces stress, back pain, and helps prepare for birth
• 3Avoid lying on back after first trimester
• 4Skip deep twists and hot yoga
• 5Always consult your doctor first, especially for high-risk pregnancies