Pregnancy is a beautiful and transformative journey that brings with it unique physical and emotional changes. As expectant mothers navigate the incredible process of nurturing new life, maintaining a healthy mind-body connection becomes increasingly important. Prenatal yoga, with its gentle movements, mindful breathing, and focus on relaxation, offers a holistic approach to support both the physical and emotional well-being of pregnant women. In these weekly blogs, we will explore the best prenatal yoga poses that can help strengthen the body, alleviate discomfort, reduce stress, and foster a deeper connection with the growing baby.

Whether you're a seasoned yogi or new to the practice, these poses are designed to nurture and support you throughout your motherhood journey. Get ready to embark on a blissful exploration of prenatal yoga as we delve into the poses that can bring harmony, balance, and vitality to your pregnancy experience.

All of these poses we share are safe for your 1st, 2nd, 3rd, and 4th trimesters. But, remember to listen to your body and modify the pose as needed. If you feel any discomfort or strain, adjust the position of the props or come out of the pose. It's always important to practice with caution and consult with a prenatal yoga instructor or your healthcare provider if you have any concerns. 

Lizard pose is a great posture to take when needing opening and toning in the thighs and groin. Coming into the posture, make sure that the knee on the ground is directly under the corresponding hip. This may feel like you aren't taking the pose all the way, but it will ensure you do not overstretch the groin causing pubic symphysis disorder. Taking the pose about one to two minutes on each side, you can either find stillness or gently bend back and forth into the extended leg. 

1. Hip Opening and Stretching: Modified lizard pose is renowned for its ability to open up the hips and release tension in the lower body. As your pregnancy progresses, your body undergoes changes, and the hips bear the weight and pressure of your growing belly. Practicing modified lizard pose gently stretches the hip flexors, inner thighs, and groin, helping to alleviate discomfort and prepare your body for childbirth.

2. Increased Flexibility and Range of Motion: During pregnancy, the hormone relaxin is released, which softens the ligaments and joints to accommodate the growing baby. Modified lizard pose takes advantage of this increased flexibility and range of motion. By practicing the pose, you can enhance your overall flexibility, making movements and transitions smoother and more comfortable as your body adapts to its changing shape.

3. Strengthening the Lower Body: Modified lizard pose engages various muscle groups, including the quadriceps, glutes, and core muscles. Strengthening these areas can help support your changing body and reduce strain on your lower back. As your baby grows, maintaining lower body strength becomes even more important, and modified lizard pose provides a safe and effective way to work on these muscle groups.

4. Improved Digestion and Circulation: Pregnancy can sometimes bring digestive challenges, such as indigestion and constipation. The gentle twisting and stretching involved in modified lizard pose can stimulate digestion and help alleviate these discomforts. Additionally, the pose promotes healthy blood circulation throughout the body, which is crucial for both your well-being and your baby's development.

5. Mind-Body Connection and Relaxation: Prenatal yoga, including modified lizard pose, offers a unique opportunity to connect with your body and your baby on a deeper level. As you settle into the pose, focus on your breath and allow yourself to relax. This practice enhances mindfulness, reduces stress, and nurtures a sense of calm and tranquility, supporting your overall emotional well-being during pregnancy.

⚠️ Important Considerations: While modified lizard pose can provide numerous benefits, it's important to keep some considerations in mind:

• Always consult with your healthcare provider before starting any new exercise routine during pregnancy.
• Listen to your body and modify the pose as needed. As your pregnancy progresses, you may need to adapt the pose further to accommodate your growing belly.
• Avoid overstretching and putting excessive pressure on your joints. The goal is to find a comfortable stretch that feels good for your body.

Allie is wearing the Devyn Tank in Pacific and the Hayes Joggers in Stone. 

For more prenatal yoga moves head to the Anook Athletics' Youtube channel or read our Ultimate Guide to Prenatal Yoga.