Yoga for pregnancy recs?

[kaethe]

I'm about 22 weeks pregnant and have recently had a flair-up of plantar fasciitis (hope I spelled that right). Walking for exercise isn't happening right now, so I'm hoping to use yoga to help build my core strength and otherwise prepare for labor.

Does anyone have any suggestions for yoga videos (online or DVD, either way) that are good for pregnancy/labor preparation? I've looked at Amazon, but there are so many it's hard to know which ones are worth the money.

As for my experience level, I'd say long-term beginner. I've done yoga off and on for about two years, but stuck to beginner-level DVDs.

Thanks in advance for your help!

Comments

[jumpuphigh]

I think that Shiva Rea is always a good choice, although I have not actually seen this video of hers.

However, you don't need something designed for pregnancy if you already have DVDs. You should just add extra poses that strengthen your pelvis and you need to be extremely careful not to overstretch.

[kaethe]

Thanks for the info and advice. I wasn't sure if there were poses you should avoid during pregnancy, although I've already found some that just aren't happening to the full extent that they used to :-).

[muck_a_luck]

The disclaimers at the beginning of most yoga DVDs say not to do twisting postures while pregnant. I think www.yogajournal.com's pose library gives contraindicators for every posture. You could check poses there that say not to do them while pregnant.

[kaethe]

Thanks! I'll do that.

[jumpuphigh]

You don't want to do inversions. Or perhaps I should say, you won't want to do inversions. This includes downward dog, btw. You can do downward dog with your hands on a wall or do child's pose instead.

Use a bolster under your knees for sivasana until you can't lie on your back any more. Then you do sivasana on your side and darn it if I can remember which is the side you shouldn't lie on. If you need me to go dig that information out, I can do that for you.

There are certain pranayamas that you shouldn't do. There are also some pranayamas that are very helpful. Pranayama is best done with an instructor on hand.

Don't do any work with engaging bandhas.

Your body will tell you if something isn't right for you, so take the time and focus in your practice to listen and respond.

[muck_a_luck]

I'm guessing since the suggestion by doctors is to sleep on your left side, that the left side is better for sivasana, to, but that's just a guess.

[jumpuphigh]

I was 95% sure that it was the left side but didn't want to share erroneous and dangerous advice. Thanks for jumping in.