The word yoga means to connect or unite. To connect with the self or divine self or your soul. There are eight different parts of yoga which include yama, niyama, asana, pranayama, pratyahara, dharana, dhyana and samadhi. When you perform all of these, it helps you to achieve enlightenment. Yoga asanas and pranayama can help to cure several health conditions and manage their symptoms.

There are different yoga asanas and each of them has its own benefits. Yoga is known to be beneficial for pregnant women. Yoga helps you to stay active during pregnancy and also keeps certain health conditions at bay. It can also help to improve your mood and sleep, reduce lower back pain and increase your strength and flexibility among others. Here, take a look at seven yoga poses that pregnant women can do.

Also known as the Cat-Cow Pose, this asana helps to reduce back pain and maintain spinal flexibility. It also helps to strengthen the lower back and abdominal muscles which support the growing belly and promotes good posture, making it an excellent choice during pregnancy.

Also known as the Child’s Pose, this asana helps to stretch the hips, thighs and lower back which helps to give you relief from the extra weight of pregnancy. This pose can also create space for the belly when you widen your knees. Balasana can be done throughout the pregnancy. It helps to relax the mind and body.

Also known as the Warrior II pose, this pose helps to build strength in the legs, hips and core which are needed to support the body during pregnancy. This asana also helps to improve balance and endurance which can be helpful during labours. This pose helps to open up the hips and chest, thereby, helping in circulation and stability which are important for maintaining energy levels.

Also known as the Bound Angle Pose, this pose opens the hips, stretches the inner thighs and improves circulation in the pelvic area. It is beneficial for preparing the body for childbirth by increasing flexibility in the groin and pelvic region.

This is a modified pose of the Savasana and is ideal for rest during pregnancy. Lie on the left side with a pillow between the legs and this supports blood flow to the heart and reduces pressure on the spine. This asana can be beneficial for people during the later stages of pregnancy when lying on the back is not advisable.

Also known as the Goddess Pose, this asana helps to strengthen the lower body, especially the thighs, hips and pelvic floor muscles. These muscles play an important role during pregnancy and childbirth. This asana also helps to improve circulation and endurance, thereby, helping expectant mothers stay active and energized.

Also known as the Wide-Angled Seated Forward Bend, this asana helps to stretch the back, hips and hamstrings. It also helps to relieve tension in the lower back which is affected during pregnancy. One should be careful when performing the asana when the belly starts to grow.

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