Hot Yoga during Pregnancy – Things to Keep in Mind

Hot yoga is a type of yoga where the asanas are performed under sultry temperatures, resulting in a heavy sweating. This is done with the aim to replicate the heat and humidity of the county where yoga originated – India. Experts suggest that this form of yoga tends to prepare the body for movement and helps in removing impurities. Practicing yoga during pregnancy is a common phenomenon but there is always a question of whether hot yoga is safe for pregnant women. 

There have been no proven studies which suggest that hot yoga might affect the mother or the child during pregnancy but yoga instructors advise expecting mothers to consult their doctors before indulging in hot yoga. If expecting mothers are interested in practicing hot yoga, they must take certain precautionary steps before doing so. Some of them are:

• Consult your doctor on whether hot yoga is a good idea or not, and if they advise against it, it is probably for your best to avoid it. 
• Stay hydrated during class because after this yoga there is a risk of dehydration which might affect your and your baby’s health. 
• Take mini-breaks if necessary and walk out of the studio if you feel dizziness, nausea or any uneasiness that is frequent during pregnancy. 
• It is important to adhere to all the pre-natal modifications while practicing because some asanas can be intense and might not be in best interest of the mother and the baby. 
• Since hot yoga is more impactful and intense than regular yoga, you can reduce the number of times you practice hot yoga and can alternate between milder exercises and the former. 
• There might be different sessions of hot yoga for pregnant women which are performed in lower temperatures and with milder exercises. You can choose these sessions, if they are available. 

If you have been practicing hot yoga and wish to continue doing so during pregnancy, it is important to keep the above guidelines in mind. Starting hot yoga for the first-time during pregnancy is not advisable and if you wish to remain healthy and fit, regular yoga can be practiced. Staying healthy and fit during pregnancy is vital for a smooth delivery process but it is also important to understand your body and exercise accordingly.