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 Yoga
for Pregnancy has been authored by Dr. Shamanthakamani Narendran, MD
(Paed), D.C.H. (Lond) in association with
Dr.R.Nagarathna, MD, FRCP, Dean, Division of Yoga and Life Sciences
and
Dr. HR Nagendra, ME, Ph.D., Vice Chancellor sVYASA.
Being a neonatologist and a child specialist, she was always touched
by the anxiety and fear that the mother goes through during
pregnancy and child birth. She knew that yoga therapy has been tried
in almost all the stress related conditions with remarkable
benefits. So far, no studies have been undertaken to prove the
safety and usefulness of yoga practices in pregnancy.
She thought that this is her greatest opportunity to take up a
research study and prove scientifically that yoga can reduce the
stress in pregnancy and improve the outcome, giving the joy of a
normal healthy new born. There are already very encouraging results
and the full research paper on the “Efficacy of Integrated Approach
of Yoga on the Outcome of Pregnancy” is soon to be published.
The book ‘Yoga and Pregnancy’ provides useful guidelines for pregnant
women, gives information about anatomical, physiological changes and
adaptations to pregnancy and also any complications that can arise
such as Pregnancy Induced Hypertension (PIH), Intra Uterine Growth
Retardation (IUGR), Gestational Diabetes Mellitus (GDM), etc. It
gives a comprehensive knowledge of a modified set of yoga
practices that can be practiced throughout pregnancy including
Asanas, Pranayama (breathing techniques), Meditation techniques,
Relaxation techniques, Mudras and Bandhas. There are some
interesting mythological stories from the ancient Indian Vedic
texts.
Through the book, the author makes it quite clear, that Asanas (Yoga
exercises or positions) are a very small part of the entire
integrated practices. It is to calm down the mind and allay the
fears and anxiety about pregnancy that yoga emphasizes.
In the book is a complete descriptions of Asanas, regulated breathing
(Pranayama) and relaxation techniques profusely illustrated, which
pregnant women can do throughout their pregnancy right up to
delivery.
The key message that this book gives is that yoga practices are safe,
effective, beneficial and help in an easy delivery.
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