Best Yoga Poses For Second Trimester: Pregnancy Tips

The second trimester of pregnancy is when you start to have that pregnancy glow everyone talks about. In the first trimester you would be fighting morning sickness and fatigue. From the fourth month this starts to improve and you will also have a small bump. You will feel more energetic and the clumsiness due to a big belly will not yet have set in. This is why the second trimester is the best time for you to take up your exercises.

Exercising will keep your body in shape and your energy levels up. Regular yoga during the second trimester may be strenuous for you unless you have an experienced teacher. Instead of self trials, it is recommended joining a prenatal yoga class. This will help you meet other expectant moms as well. The emotional support they can provide is priceless.

The main thing to keep in mind while practising yoga for the second trimester is to listen to your body. Do not overdo any of the poses and do not exert yourself. It is no longer about you, but about the life growing inside you. Below are some second trimester yoga poses.

Flapping fish pose: This pose of yoga for second trimester is for relaxing and spreading the weight around your waist. Lie on your stomach with your hands under your head and bend your left leg, so that the knees are near the ribs.

Thunderbolt pose: In this yoga pose for second trimester of pregnancy, kneel on the floor and keep the heels apart. Lower your buttocks onto your feet and let the heels support your hips.

Gracious pose: This is a continuation of the thunderbolt position. Once the thunderbolt pose is reached, separate the knees while keeping the toes on the floor and let the buttocks rest on the floor.

Cat stretch pose: This yoga pose for second trimester requires you to assume the thunderbolt pose first. Then, lean forward, stand on knees and place hands flat on the floor. Bend your head and arch so your back becomes concave.

Hand raising pose: For this pose, stand on your feet with arms crossed in front of the body. Then, lift the crossed arms above your head and bring them to shoulder level. Re-cross arms above your head; later lower them.

Palm tree pose: This is a an easy yoga pose to do during the second trimester. Stand on your feet and raise your hands above your head. Interlock the palms and face them upwards. Place them on your head and raise your heels.

Squat and rise pose: This yoga pose when done during the second trimester will help strengthen the uterus. Stand with your feet apart and toes facing outwards. Lock your palms in front of your body and lower the abdomen slowly.

Modified forward bend: This pose makes use of a chair for support. Stand in front of a chair and bend forward till the hands touch the back of the chair. Bend with your hips and keep the back straight.

Modified triangular pose: This is one of the simplest poses among second trimester yoga poses. Lift one hand above your head. Looking up at this hand, reach down and touch the knee of the leg on the other side. Later switch sides.

Seated twist: In this yoga pose for second trimester, stretch out the legs while sitting. Now cross your right leg over the other. Bring your left hand over the right knee and put your right hand on the floor behind, and turn your head.

As always, make sure you do your yoga poses only under expert supervision.