Pre Natal

Question 1

What are the main points to consider if a regular student becomes pregnant?

Answer 1

May tire more easily
May experience morning sickness
Posture changes
Certain movements become more difficult to execute e.g. sudden stopping, changes in direction
Hormone relaxin, allows for greater flexibility and possible overstretching

Question 2

What poses are contra-indicated in the first trimester?

Answer 2

Closed twists
Strong backbends
Pronated backbends
Inversions

Question 3

What poses are therapeutic in the first trimester?

Answer 3

Standing postures

Hip Openers

Question 4

What poses are contra-indicated in the second trimester?

Answer 4

Closed twists
Strong backbends
Pronated backbends
Forward bends
Inversions
Strong core work

Question 5

What poses are therapeutic in the second trimester?

Answer 5

Standing postures
Hip Openers
Chest Openers
Supported Savasana
Postures for low back pain eg. lateral flexion

Question 6

What poses are contra-indicated in the third trimester?

Answer 6

Closed twists
Strong backbends
Pronated backbends
Forward bends
Inversions
Strong core work

Question 7

What poses are therapeutic in the third trimester?

Answer 7

Hip Openers
Chest Openers
Supported Savasana
Postures for low back pain eg. lateral flexion

Question 8

Why are closed twists contra-indicated during pregnancy?

Answer 8

They compress the uterus

Question 9

Why are backbends contra-indicated during pregnancy?

Answer 9

They overstretch the abdominal muscles

Question 10

Why are pronated backbends contra-indicated during pregnancy?

Answer 10

They compress the uterus

Question 11

Why are inversions contra-indicated during pregnancy?

Answer 11

Draw blood away from the uterus

Question 12

Why is strong sore work contra-indicated during pregnancy?

Answer 12

The abdominal muscles need to separate to accommodate the baby

Question 13

Why are hip openers therapeutic for pregnancy?

Answer 13

Prepare the body for a natural labour

Question 14

Why are standing postures therapeutic for pregnancy?

Answer 14

Encourages good circulation in the legs to prevent cramping as blood pressure starts to drop.
Strengthening the leg muscles and the pelvic floor is important preparation for later phases of pregnancy

Question 15

Why are forward bends contra-indicated during pregnancy?

Answer 15

They compress the uterus

Question 16

Why are chest openers therapeutic for pregnancy?

Answer 16

Alleviate back pain due to heavier breasts

Question 17

Why does Savasana need to be supported?

Answer 17

Reduces pressure on the vena cava which moves blood from the lower part of the body
to the uterus and then back to the heart

Question 18

Why are lateral flexion postures therapeutic for pregnancy?

Answer 18

Alleviate low back pain due to increased abdominal weight

Question 19

What other practices are therapeutic during pregnancy?

Answer 19

Pranayama that stimulates the PNS

Meditation

Question 20

How does pregnancy affect digestion?

Answer 20

Decreased peristalsis
Increased risk of gallstones
Risk of gestational Diabetes
Heartburn and indigestion

Question 21

What pranayama practices are contra-indicated during pregnancy?

Answer 21

Those that involve retention of the breath such as Kapalabhati and Bhastrika as they reduce the delivery of oxygen to the foetus

Question 22

What is Pre-eclampsia?

Answer 22

Pregnancy-induced hypertension along with significant amounts of protein in the urine

Question 23

What is Placenta Praevia?

Answer 23

Complication where the placenta is attached to the uterine wall close to or covering the cervix

Question 24

What is Anaemia?

Answer 24

An inadequate amount of haemoglobin. Women often become anaemic during pregnancy because the demand for iron and other vitamins is increased.

Question 25

What is Sciatica during Pregnancy

Answer 25

Due to increased pressure on the lumbar spine, the sciatic nerve may become compressed.