 | | angie in wheel at 36 weeks |
Practicing while Pregnant
by Angie Malpass
In May when I found out I was pregnant, I had been practicing for two years, consistently four or five times a week. It was a difficult decision for me to continue practicing. I didn't want to stop, but questioned if I should. The heat and potential to overheat, is the medical community's biggest concern when it comes to practicing Bikram pregnant, and their cautions, while vague, did scare me.
I talked to all the teachers, did a lot of research, and really evaluated my physical condition and practice. I was especially encouraged after reading about and talking to other women who maintained their practice pregnant, including Laura, Frani, and my cousin who practices at Bikram's studio in LA. All delivered healthy, happy babies. And there's even a teacher in New England who completed a 30-day challenge during her second trimester. So, since I was in good physical shape and couldn't even remember the last time I had overheated in class, I decided to continue my practice pregnant, but at a reduced pace.
Today I'm 39 weeks pregnant, still practicing, and am confident in my decision. I didn't begin with any grand intentions of making it this long. I took it week by week and I'm actually surprised that I'm still coming! I took a few weeks off in the first trimester because it's miserable to practice when you feel nauseous, but overall, I maintained a two to three times a week practice all 10 months.
I always set up next to the vent, which most days I do need a few blasts from. Before pregnancy, the hotter the class the better, but as my baby grew, my tolerance for the heat weakened, and that vent, in addition to my ice packs that I started using a few weeks ago, have kept me from overheating.
Overall, I've felt very strong practicing and enjoyed the pregnancy series. As my belly started growing, yoga helped me stretch it out and make room for the baby, which is an amazing sensation when so much is being crammed into a tight space. After working in an office all day, I would go into class feeling "sooooo pregnant" and leave feeling completely opened up, stretched out, and comfortable.
Practicing pregnant does have its challenges though. In addition to the heat, as I've gotten bigger, I feel like a whale out of water getting in and out of savasana during the floor series! I also can't go as far into some of the postures (half moon and standing bow) as I did before pregnancy because I don't have the same stamina.
But then there are some postures I'm actually better at than before (back bends, for example), and I absolutely love wheel - it's a demanding, but magical posture pregnant and I'm going to miss it when I go back to the regular series!
Most importantly, I've no doubt been reaping major benefits outside of class, which is what keeps me committed. I am certain yoga is the key reason I've had such a healthy, active, pain-free, high-energy pregnancy without the mood swings all my books warn about. And since I've felt so great pregnant, I continued running three times a week too, which was surprisingly comfortable, even at nine-months big, most likely because of yoga!
I couldn't have done it without all your support. So many gracious students moved to give me the coveted spot by the vent, and others provided the kindest words and encouragement. The teachers turned on the fans when I got hot, excused me when I went to the bathroom to cool down and even threw me a cold towel on occasion. This is what enabled me to keep up my practice. Thank you all very much! It also helped that my husband practices as well, so I had someone to talk to after each class, and as my body was changing, who could relate on a certai
 | | Angie, Miles and Jeff |
n level.
I'm hopeful that yoga will help during labor as I breathe through contractions like I'm in the middle of camel, and get into savasana right after to maximize my short rest before the next contraction. We'll see!
And when I return to the Sweatbox, you will find me on the east side of the room! I'm looking forward to a new spot and not relying on the vent or any of the other props I've needed during pregnancy.
Thanks again!
Angie (and Miles)
Angie and Jeff are the proud parents of Baby Boy Miles, born at 11:53 PM 1/23/2011, 8 lbs 14 ounces.
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