Prenatal Yoga: Easing Leg Cramps
Beginner I
Sometimes those involuntary muscle groups in the legs can act up during pregnancy giving us leg cramps and spasms or a feeling of reduced blood flow. This sequence aims to release the legs and stimulate blood flow to those stagnant areas so you can move and sleep and practice with a bit more ease in your pregnancy. Note: You will need a bolster or a few pillows for this class. Check out our video, 'How To Make Your Own Bolster', located in our blog. And if you like this class, you can check out Sarah-Jane's other prenatal yoga classes: Prenatal Yoga for Core Strength, Prenatal Yoga for Early Pregnancy, and Prenatal Yoga: Releasing the Spine.
Equipment:
Bolster Videos
Style:
Comments
Existing Comments
I can really tell the difference thank you
Can you lie on your right side at the end? Or it's necessary to lie on your left side? Thank you!
In pregnancy it's suggested that lying on your left side specifically is best for baby. Heres a quote to explain why, "Because your liver is on the right side of your abdomen, lying on your left side helps keep the uterus off that large organ. Sleeping on the left side also improves circulation to the heart and allows for the best blood flow to the fetus, uterus, and kidneys." -kidshealth.org
Yes, research suggests left is ideal but lying on your right briefly is unlikely to be harmful to your baby. If you feel dizzy or light headed that indicates you may be best pressing yourself up and proceeding to lie left.
In the video I remark that the reason we have leg cramps is there less "blood flow to lower half of baby" I meant "less to lower half of the BODY" as much of our increased blood volume is circulating to baby via cord/ placenta. We also get leg cramps due to lack of hydration so drink up! Thanks mamas
Good
I'm not pregnant, but this was lovely and helpful to do before a longer practice on a day after an intensive hike.
As an overweight woman I felt these leg exercises were a little easier for me to get into position with. Even though my joints and muscles may be ready to do things, there's a matter of being unable to do it simply because your weight just gets in the way. So I would say that this is definitely useful for overweight people as well as pregnant women!
Great video! I'll pass this on to my pregnant patients.