Exercise and pregnancy

Satsang Yoga owner/instructor Dana Layon is certified to teach prenatal yoga. Read her answers to your questions about practicing yoga during pregnancy. Then be sure to check out Dr. Joe Chang's blog for practical advice on "How active can I be in pregnancy?"

9-month newsletter

Week-by-week information about what's happening to your body and your baby from Week 3 to Week 40 is available in our 9-month newsletters. There's even a weekly tip to help you prepare for delivery. And don't forget your birthing plan, which makes it easier for you to decide what you want for you and your baby, and to communicate your choices to others. Southwest offers a birthing plan form with an easy-to-use checklist and space for your notes. Download the birth plan form. >

Just for Dads

While it’s true that she’s having the baby and she’s the one whose belly is growing, here's a list of things for Dad to do during this exciting and sometimes confusing time.

Exercise during pregnancy There are many benefits to being active during pregnancy. You may not feel great every day of your pregnancy, but exercise should make you feel better overall and may help prepare you for labor and childbirth. There are some conditions or symptoms that may make exercising during pregnancy inadvisable. Recommendations NOT to exercise during pregnancy may be made in cases of: Pregnancy-induced hypertension Preterm premature rupture of membranes Preterm labor Vaginal bleeding Other ongoing medical conditions such as high blood pressure, heart disease, lung disease, and thyroid abnormalities. Read more > See more Pregnancy and Delivery Articles >

Ask the Expert Q: How long into my pregnancy can I practice yoga? A: You can practice yoga until the day you deliver. The classes are gentle and require no previous yoga experience. We focus on breathing mostly and then relaxation techniques that you can use during labor, childbirth and on into motherhood. Classes are dynamic every week – providing relief for women in their first through third trimesters. Class sequence is built around breath, stretching, strengthening and building a community for all prenatal women … Read more > Dana Layon, E-RYT, Satsang Yoga, Vancouver, WA   Visit the Ask the Expert archive > Ask the Expert is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Never delay or disregard seeking professional medical advice from your physician or other qualified health provider because of something you have read here.

Book Review: Maternal Fitness: Preparing for a Healthy Pregnancy, an Easier Labor, and a Quick Recovery   by Julie Tupler If you're newly pregnant, you're probably watching your diet carefully, getting plenty of rest, and preparing for the arrival of your new baby. You're also thinking about the big day itself and what the experience of labor will be like. Even if you're following a regular fitness program, you'll want to do everything you can to strengthen and prepare your body for the rigors of labor. Read more > Buy from Powells.com Buy from Amazon.com More book reviews >

	Share your story
Women (and their partners, for that matter) encounter a whole new world during pregnancy. Why not share your experiences with other mothers? Join the community today to share your stories. Or select a blog from the list below to read other expectant parents’ stories.