Yoga for Pregnancy (Yoga For Diabetes During Pregnancy)

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Diabetes can pose a serious problem for a pregnant woman. The risks could vary from premature labour to urinary tract infection, elevated blood pressure to possibility of delivery by caesarean section. The risks to the baby can be that he is extraordinarily large and fat leading to a difficult birthing, increased risk of congenital abnormality, low blood sugar at birth or prolonged jaundice.

In the second and third trimesters of pregnancy the insulin requirement of the mother increases by 2 to 3 times. Most of the women can fulfill this need, however if unable to do so, leads to what is known as gestational diabetes.

When pregnant, those with Diabetes Mellitus or those with Gestational Diabetes, must pay more attention to a quality an a balanced diet. To keep blood sugar levels manageable, diabetics sometimes need to eat top up foods in -between meals. This is not to be confused with snacking for reasons of fluctuating appetite, emotional needs or just the result of a disordered life.

These in - between meals should be high quality, easily assimilated ingredients and should be well balanced for your need as well as the baby's. Yogis therapeutic management of diabetes over many years has shown that, in conjunction with specific yoga practices, the more a diabetic can regularize their meals and their energy output, the less in-between meals will be required. The same principle applies to the pregnant woman, with or without gestational diabetes.

The program (general) mentioned above is valid for those pregnant women who had diabetes pre-existent to pregnancy.

Yogic program for pregnant women with gestational diabetes is as follows:

Yogis positions (Asans):

Toe bending, Ankle bending, Ankle rotation, Ankle crank, Knee bending, Half butterfly, Hip rotation, Full butterfly, Hand clenching, Wrist bending, Wrist rotation, Shoulder rotation, Neck series, Leg raising, Leg cycling, Cat stretch pose, Shoulder pose, Lion pose, Universal spinal twist.

Pranayama (Breathing exercises)

Full yogic breathing, Humming breath, Alter nostril breathing (stages 1& 2).

Relaxation

Yoga nidra should be practiced daily. Also meditation (Om Chanting) should be done.

Disclaimer:
Before practice, please consult your doctor in case you are suffering from ailments. It is recommended to practice under the guidance of experts.