Category Pregnancy

Vaccines During Pregnancy: What Every Mother Should Know

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Vaccines during pregnancy

Pregnancy is a precious journey filled with joy, curiosity, and responsibilities. Among the many health decisions you make, one of the most important is taking the right vaccines during pregnancy. These vaccinations offer protection not only to the mother but also to the unborn child.

Why Vaccines Matter in Pregnancy

During pregnancy, a woman’s immune system changes, making her more vulnerable to certain infections. Vaccines help boost immunity and create antibodies. These antibodies pass through the placenta, helping to protect the baby in its early months of life.

Dr. Shelly Singh, a well-known gynecologist, strongly advises pregnant women to stay updated on their vaccinations. According to her, “Prevention is always better than cure, especially when it involves two lives.”

Key Vaccines Every Pregnant Woman Should Know About Vaccines during pregnancy

Let’s look at the main vaccines recommended during pregnancy.

1. Td Vaccine

The Td vaccine offers protection against tetanus and diphtheria. It is often given early in the pregnancy and is considered safe for both mother and baby.

This vaccine replaced the older TT vaccine due to an increase in diphtheria cases. Getting the Td vaccine is usually part of standard prenatal care in India.

2. Tdap Vaccine

The Tdap vaccine in pregnancy protects against tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis (commonly known as whooping cough). Whooping cough can be deadly for infants, especially in the first few months of life when they are not fully immunized.

Health experts recommend taking the Tdap vaccine between 27 to 36 weeks of pregnancy. This is the ideal time for the mother’s body to create and transfer antibodies to the baby.

Dr. Shelly Singh emphasizes the importance of this vaccine in each pregnancy, even if the mother has taken it before. She also advises family members and caregivers to take the vaccine as part of the “cocooning” strategy, which helps shield the newborn.

3. Influenza Vaccine

Vaccines during pregnancy

The influenza Vaccines during pregnancy protects the mother from seasonal flu, which can become severe and even life-threatening. Pregnant women are more likely to develop complications from the flu compared to other adults.

This vaccine can be taken at any point during pregnancy, but ideally before the flu season begins. Getting vaccinated also helps protect the baby in the first few months of life.

Dr. Shelly Singh says, “Pregnant women who catch the flu often experience more serious symptoms. The flu shot can prevent this and also protect the baby after birth.”

4. Hepatitis B Vaccine

The Hepatitis B Vaccines during pregnancy is given only to women who are at higher risk. This includes healthcare workers, individuals with Hepatitis B-positive partners, and those who have a history of multiple sexual partners or drug use.

If a woman has already started the Hepatitis B vaccine series before becoming pregnant, she can safely continue it during pregnancy under her doctor’s guidance.

Are These Vaccines Safe?

Yes, all recommended Vaccines during pregnancy are considered safe. Most of them do not contain live viruses and are well-tolerated.

Side effects, if any, are usually mild and short-lived. These may include a slight fever or soreness at the injection site. However, the benefits far outweigh the risks.

Dr. Shelly Singh assures her patients that these vaccines go through strict safety checks and are regularly recommended by health authorities like WHO and ICMR.

When to Get Vaccinated?

  • Tdap: Between 27 and 36 weeks
  • Td: First trimester or early second trimester
  • Influenza: Before or during flu season
  • Hepatitis B: As advised, based on risk level

Final Thoughts

Taking Vaccines during pregnancy is a vital step in protecting both mother and baby from preventable diseases. It also reduces the chances of complications during and after delivery.

Don’t wait for symptoms to appear—vaccination is all about prevention. It’s a simple yet powerful way to give your baby a healthy start in life.

Vaccines during pregnancy

Dr. Shelly Singh, with her years of experience, always encourages her patients to make informed choices about pregnancy care, including immunization.

 Book Your Appointment Today

If you’re expecting or planning to conceive, consult with Dr. Shelly Singh to discuss your vaccination schedule. With her expert guidance, you can enjoy a safer and healthier pregnancy.

Call now or book online to schedule your consultation with Dr. Shelly Singh. Your journey to motherhood deserves the best protection.

Advantages of a Normal Delivery

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Advantages of normal delivery

 A question often asked is why normal delivery ?

Let me explain the reasons why .

A normal vaginal delivery is one where you deliver through the vagina . This delivery could follow a spontaneous onset of labour or an induced one .

Spontaneous onset of labour means that you go into labour without any artificial means or medication at 37-42 weeks of pregnancy and induced labour means that medication is used to bring on labour pains . A delivery could also be assisted delivery using vacuum or forceps .

 

Why normal delivery ?

First and foremost , because nature intended it this way .

Labor & Delivery

Labour pains no doubt are very intense but there are ways of relieving those to a large extent using methods like epidural analgesia or entonox or N2O gas inhalation which eases pain .

There is less blood loss , chances of infection and no anesthesia complications like those in a caesarean delivery .

Recovery is faster and hospital stay too . You are discharged within 1-2 days of a normal delivery compared to a caesarean section .

Skin to skin contact with your baby and breast feeding can also be initiated earlier.

 

Why is a normal delivery more beneficial for your baby ?

As the baby goes down the tight birth canal , fluid from the chest and lungs are squeezed out and this reduces respiratory issues .

The baby also acquires more good bacteria from the vagina thus gaining better immunity for life due to this micro biome .

Natural Birth: Benefits, Risks & Preparing for Labor Without Pain Medication

And as already stated , you can begin bonding with your baby earlier ; breast feeding is also initiated earlier compared to a caesarean delivery .

 

Pregnancy and delivery is a life changing event that comes with its share of joy, positivity and fears . Every delivery is different and so it is best to chalk out a birth plan with your doctor and to allay whatever anxiety or apprehensions you may have . Also remember that labour is a very fluid process and during its course ,should problems arise , you must be prepared with plan B as well .

Engage a birth partner like your husband , mother , mother in law in these deliberations with your doctor and look towards a happy and healthy beginning of a lifetime of motherhood !

It’s OK to feel apprehensive but go into labour , more empowered and informed .

Stress in Pregnancy – has it increased?

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It’s a known fact that stress and emotional upheavals are part and parcel of pregnancy. The hormones of pregnancy are attributed to these mood swings. Stress has been part of our lives and from the times of our parents and grandparents, most would agree they have multiplied manifold. Whether it is to get a deadline met professionally, work pressures, getting a kid to school, pick up and drop routines or just the humdrum of fast-paced everyday living, stresses are real.

The death of a family member or friend, divorce, losing your job, financial problems, health issues, abuse or depression are unusual stresses, a bit removed from those of everyday life. Other disasters like natural calamities and in recent times, the monster of the COVID 19 pandemic are other chronic depressive events. And the latter has definitely increased, affecting everyone, especially pregnant and lactating girls. 

 

What effects does this stress cause on pregnant girls?

Stress causes the body to be in a constant state of “ fight and flight”. It causes the hormones epinephrine and norepinephrine to be released. This causes you to have chronic headaches, trouble sleeping or eating disorders. It aggravates medical conditions like Gestational diabetes or Hypertension. And it also causes problems for your baby.

During the COVID pandemic, most pregnant girls have fears of contracting the disease. They fear hospitalisation and intensive care; many of them fear for their unborn babies, of miscarriages, bleeding, preterm deliveries, growth-restricted or low birth weight babies and many unfounded but completely understandable fears. Add to this the stress of being closeted at home and financial difficulties due to the economic effects of the pandemic. 

 

What effects do stresses have on your child?

While some stresses are good for us and keep us on our toes, chronic stress like that of the current seemingly never-ending pandemic increases problems for the unborn baby as well. It is known to cause issues like preterm deliveries and low birth weight babies. This stress is also known to cause changes in temperament and neurobehavioral development problems in your babies. Some studies have also been found to show a likely association between stress in the pregnant mom and children who grow up to have heart disease, high BP, Diabetes, Learning disabilities. Some trials have also shown that stresses in the first trimester are particularly harmful and can lead to irritability and depression in children born to these mothers.

Remember that a womb is a busy place. There are numerous hormones and chemicals that are being transmitted from the mom to the baby. The stress hormones act on the babies, keeping them in constant fight and flight mode; that is why we are drawn back to the age-old concept of “ Garbh Sanskar”-our babies are very much what we make them in the womb. Stressed mothers are likely to get stressed babies. So despite all our fears, we need to try and find ways and means of countering them.

 

How do pregnant girls counter stress in COVID times?

Eat healthy, exercise, sleep adequately, keep yourself occupied doing things that calm you, keep you engaged and happy. Yoga and meditation are always helpful. Dissociate yourself from negative influences like people who spread fear, too much television or news of the pandemic; remember its good to be informed but harmful to be stressed and fearful. COVID appropriate behaviour like masking up, maintaining social distancing, avoiding crowded places, hand hygiene and COVID vaccination is our best bet today even against highly mutated forms of the virus.

The Pandemic will eventually pass or phase out into an endemic like the common flu but stress and fear will live on through your children. 

So mommies, stay positive and just chill- this too shall pass!

Anaemia in Pregnancy

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50 per cent of pregnant girls in India suffer from anaemia. 

When you suffer from anaemia, your blood does not have healthy Red blood cells to carry oxygen to your tissues and your baby. Your body uses Iron to make Haemoglobin, the protein that carries oxygen in the RBCs. 

Types of anaemia in pregnancy are Iron deficiency anaemia, Folate deficiency anaemia and Vitamin B 12 anaemia. 

What are the risk factors for anaemia? 

If you’re anaemic before you become pregnant, don’t have an iron-rich diet, are vegan or vegetarian, have twins or multiple order pregnancy, have pregnancies too close together, have severe vomiting in pregnancy, malabsorption syndromes, chronic infections like malaria, TB, worm infestations or conditions like Thalassemia or excessive menstrual loss prior to pregnancy, you are more liable to get anaemia in pregnancy. 

 

What are the symptoms of anaemia? 

Easy fatiguability, weakness, dizziness, palpitations, rapid heartbeat, breathlessness, trouble concentrating, pale lips and nails are common features of anaemia. 

What are the risks to the foetus if you are anaemic? 

There is a greater chance of preterm birth and low birth weight babies. 

You run a risk of post Partum haemorrhage necessitating blood transfusion, your baby may be anaemic as well. 

Untreated folate deficiency may lead to babies with neural tube defects. 

How does your doctor diagnose the same? 

Blood tests like Complete haemogram, Peripheral smear for the type of anaemia, Vitamin B 12 and Folate levels, HPLC tests to rule out Thalassemia, stool tests to detect ova and cysts due to worm infestations are ordered. In the very first antenatal visit itself, your doctor takes your history, does a clinical examination and orders your blood test that can detect anaemia. 

How is anaemia prevented and treated? 

Iron supplements that contain 60-100 mg of elemental iron, Folic acid 500 micrograms and Vitamin C that helps in iron absorption need to be taken. 

Always remember never to take Iron capsules along with Calcium or with antacids as these reduce Iron absorption in the gut. Also taking too much tea and coffee also reduce Iron absorption. 

Taking a diet rich in iron like green leafy vegetables -spinach, methi, sarsoan, kale, broccoli, lean red meat, fish, eggs, poultry, cereals fortified with Folic acid reduces the chances of anaemia. 

A course of deworming medicines also helps in treating anaemia caused due to worm infestations. 

If you are intolerant to oral Iron or suffer from malabsorption you may need parental ( intramuscular or intravenous iron ) 

Sometimes severe anaemia may require blood transfusion as well. 

Let’s do our bit to fight the menace of anaemia. Let’s work towards a brighter pregnancy.

Cervical stitch

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What is a cervical stitch and why is it done?

Cervical stitch application or cervical cerclage is the placement of a stitch at the cervix ( the neck of the uterus) . This is done to prevent you from going into preterm labour ( prior to 37 weeks of pregnancy)

or having a miscarriage after 16 weeks of pregnancy. In the preterm period, the cervix should normally belong, firm and closed. However, due to some reasons, it may shorten and open up.

 

Who are candidates for application of a cervical stitch application or cervical cerclage?

If you have a history of previously having had a miscarriage after 16 weeks.

If there’s a history of preterm delivery in a previous pregnancy.

If there’s a history of PPROM which means leaking due to the water bag breaking prematurely in a previous pregnancy (prior to 37 weeks)

If you have a history of prior cerclage due to painless cervical dilatation in the second trimester 

If on ultrasound at 16-24 weeks in your current pregnancy, your cervix has a length of 25 mm or less.

If you’ve had some surgery on the cervix like a cone biopsy

You are a good candidate for cervical cerclage.

 

Are there some contraindications to cervical cerclage?

The cervical stitch is not applied in case you already have active leaking due to breakage of the water bag

You have active vaginal bleeding

You are already in established preterm labour with uterine contractions

You have signs of infection

You have twins or higher-order pregnancy

You have a fetal congenital abnormality that is not compatible with life

 

When is a cervical stitch placed?

This is done at 12-14 weeks of pregnancy and may even be applied up to 24 weeks.

A “ rescue cerclage” is an emergency cerclage that may be placed even later if the cervix has become really short and membranes are bulging through the short and open cervix, threatening to abort or leading to preterm delivery. This type of stitch carries more risks and doesn’t work always.

 

How can this stitch be placed?

Most times it is done vaginally; rarely it may need to be placed abdominally if the cervix is too short, lacerated or it is technically difficult to place by the vaginal route.

 

Are there any alternatives to cervical cerclage?

Vaginal progesterone pessaries or gels are an alternative to this and occasionally both cervical cerclage and progesterone vaginal capsules may be needed together .

 

What are the risks of cervical cerclage ?

Bleeding

Infection

Rupture of the water bag leading to leaking

Precipitation of preterm labour or mid-trimester abortion

Injury to the bladder or cervix

Sometimes it may not be possible at all to place the cervical stitch as the cervix is too short or too open .

 

Is there anything you need to be watchful about post cervical cerclage?

If you have spasmodic crampy pains , bleeding , leakage of an intense watery fluid , smelly discharge , you must talk to your obstetrician right away .

 

When is this stitch removed?

The stitch is removed at 37 weeks or earlier if you go into labour . If you go into labour when the stitch is still in place , you must inform your doctor .

How to prepare for delivery

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You’re close to term now and it’s time to prepare for delivery . There’s a mix of excitement , fear and anxiety , I’m sure . And as is said, being mentally prepared and knowledgable is half the battle won .

Take antenatal classes which are available in most hospitals . If they aren’t ,just talk at length with your obstetrician .

What is done in these classes is this- a simple preparation for labour and delivery . A wellness specialist will talk to you about exercises such as squats and ball exercises, appraise you about breathing techniques and the right posture and help condition you towards the labour pains. Mind you , contractions are painful but knowing what to expect and how to deal with them go a long way . Most classes are couples classes where your husband or partner can also be your “ coach”. Enlightening your partner about how to ease your pain, how to breathe , teaching them positions which can help you reduce the pain ,help a great deal. When you know you have a partner in the whole process of labour , that’s shared responsibility towards the delivery process. Hospitals also have the choice of “ doulas” who help you physically , mentally and emotionally in your journey towards delivering your little bundle of joy . Working through contractions and staying in control are strategies which help in a more positive birth experience .

 Discuss with your obstetrician about the signs and symptoms of onset of labour . How Braxton Hicks contractions finally give way to labour pains , how to time contractions , their frequency and intensity which should guide you to head to hospital . There are other signs like leaking of liquor and a blood stained mucous discharge called “ show” that you must know of . Your birth plan must be discussed with your doctor . Whether you’d prefer a natural delivery without aided medication , or normal or painless delivery with epidural analgesia or whether there needs to be a Caesarean delivery, should there be complications or risks to you or the baby should all be discussed? You must discuss the pros and cons of epidural analgesia and also other pain relief techniques like the use of an inhalational gas to reduce pain. Talk about episiotomy and its aftercare too.

Remember, however, that this birth plan can always be changed or tweaked a bit; for instance, if you can’t bear these labour pains, you can always switch to epidural analgesia from a thought out plan of no aided medication.

These classes also take the opportunity of teaching you about breastfeeding and how to prepare for lactation; and the challenges you may expect.

  Another important aspect is to keep exercising. Walking, stretching, prenatal yoga and swimming are all great ways to keep your muscles and ligaments in shape and toned. They also help in a normal delivery apart from helping release the feel good hormones – the endorphins. You must continue to exercise 5-6 times a week for at least 30 minutes , unless your doctor forbids you from the same for some medical reasons .

   Focus on relaxation . Some form of meditation , yoga and pranayam helps to soothe frayed nerves. The long and tedious process of labour can definitely be made easier by maintaining calm and positivity .

  Sleep well and adequately . Sleeping at least 8 hours in the night and 1-2 hours in the afternoon help you relax . So let go of those late night Netflix shows and WhatsApp chats. Another important piece of advise – please do not scare yourself by all Facebook or Google posts about unpleasant delivery experiences someone may have had . Also try to dissociate yourself from friends with bad delivery tales to recount.Your moms also had their deliveries a long , long time ago and so much has changed since then . Don’t let negative experiences pale your positivity . The best persons to speak to now are your obstetrician , partner and your wellness consultant . Keep that spark alive and clarify any doubts, discuss anything that’s bothering you .

 

  Eat right . Eating small portions of a nutritious diet which contains green vegetables , fruits , lean protein , whole grains,milk and milk products is important . And keep yourself well hydrated . Water, lime water, coconut water, nutritious soups are great ways of keeping yourself hydrated .

   Make sure your hospital bag is now packed and ready . Most hospitals and doctor’s clinics have a checklist of all things that are needed for you , your little one as well as for your partner . These are as detailed as instructing you to carry not just your loose fitting gowns, nursing bras, baby’s clothes but also your toiletries and chargers for phones .

 By this time your doctor will have revised your history and have ordered whatever blood work , investigations are to be done and special instructions chalked out .

   Get help and take care of logistics . You may need to get your mom to look after your elder baby or look after your home . You might need to book a “japa” to help you post delivery . Plan to stock your supplies so that once you’re back from the hospital after delivery you don’t have to fret about the groceries.

Also, set up your nursery and home to welcome the baby and make it safe and comfortable for your angel.

  Birthing is indeed an overwhelming experience but being prepared to handle everything that comes your way and knowing all the choices available definitely help you to be an empowered couple.

Wishing you a safe and wonderful journey ahead!

What to pack in your labour bag

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Congratulations. Now that you are 36-37 weeks pregnant, you must keep your labour bag packed and ready just in case you go into labour before that or in case your doctor tells you that you need to deliver before your EDD for some reason. 

Let’s keep this short and simple. A checklist that you need to keep handy. Just tick off these in your labour bag. Ready, steady, GO…..

FOR YOU

  • All your medical files and reports
  • Your Insurance card and ID copies
  • Birth plan, if any
  • Cash or Credit /Debit cards

YOUR CLOTHES

  • Loose flowing gowns or loungewear [if you don’t want to wear the hospital gown]-Front opening ones are best
  • Nursing bras your size
  • Breast pads
  • Comfortable panties, cotton ones
  • Slip-on shoes or chappals
  • Warm socks, if it’s cold.  [The labour room AC may be quite cold too]
  • Towels
  • Something that helps you relax, like music or books
  • Sanitary pads [large absorbable ones]
  • Clothes to go home in 
  • Most hospitals have a post-delivery photo op too before you get discharged, so get the pretty maternity outfits you want to be clicked in

TOILETRIES

  • Comb or hairbrush
  • Toothbrush and paste
  • Your favourite shampoo and conditioner
  • Moisturiser, face cream and lip balm 
  • Body lotion or oil 
  • Your favourite massage oil
  • Hairbands and scrunchies
  • Deo spray 
  • Glasses, contact lenses, lens solution and lens case 

ACCESSORIES

Nipple balm or butter,if you prefer to use one [though I prescribe desi ghee or your own milk lightly rubbed over the nipple as an emollient]

Phone charger 

FOR YOUR BABY

  • Thin, soft clothes or warm rompers and layers if its winter
  • Baby suits, vests and sleepsuits
  • Caps 
  • Mittens
  • Socks
  • Nappies or disposable diapers
  • Sheets for the little one-for their cot and for wrapping them in
  • Baby quilts or blankets
  • An outfit for going home in 
  • A baby car seat

FOR YOUR PARTNER

  • Toiletries and shaving kit
  • Clothing and PJS/ comfortable lounge clothes
  • Pillow and light sleeping bag [if needed ]
  • Laptop
  • Mobile phone and charger

All You Need To Know About Covid Vaccination For Pregnant Women

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The long-term effects and safety of the vaccine on the foetus and child have yet not been established.

 

-Dr. Shelly Singh, MBBS, MD (Obstetrics and Gynecology) Senior Consultant – Obstetrics & Gynecology, Rosewalk Hospital, Delhi

Which group of pregnant women are at risk?

All pregnant women are at risk and they should definitely get the vaccine. A special mention for women who are:

Click here to read more

COVID Vaccination in Pregnancy

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There’s good news for many pregnant girls who have been expectantly waiting for the COVID vaccine. The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has given us the green signal for vaccinating this vulnerable section of women.

Which group of pregnant girls need the vaccine?

All pregnant girls should get the vaccine

AND 

  1. A special mention for girls who are:
  2. Healthline workers
  3. Obese
  4. Suffering from comorbid conditions
  5. Hypertensive
  6. Diabetic

More likely to get an infection due to living in areas that have a high load of cases

Older than 35 years of age

Have a history of clotting in the limbs

Exposed to people outside the household

Living in crowded areas and unable to practice social distancing

This set of pregnant girls definitely need the vaccine as they are at a higher risk of acquiring the disease and developing complications of COVID infection. 

Also remember that girls who have had COVID in this pregnancy, still need the vaccination though it can be stalled after delivery.

Which vaccine is better?

Covishield or Covaxin-whichever is available

How to go about it?

Both, registration on the Co Win App or on-site registration is required.0.5 ml of the vaccine is given intramuscularly in the upper arm. After receiving the vaccine it is mandatory to stay at the vaccination site for half an hour so that doctors can monitor side effects if any.

Side Effects 

  • These are generally minor and last for 1-3 days
  • Pain at the vaccination site
  • Headache
  • Fever
  • Muscle pain 
  • Weakness 
  • A feeling of being unwell

Major side effects to watch for:

Within 20 days of vaccination the vaccinated girls must watch out for:

  • Severe headache with or without vomiting 
  • Seizures
  • Vomiting
  • Blurring of vision
  • Chest pain 
  • Shortness of breath
  • Severe abdominal pain 
  • Small pinpoint haemorrhages
  • Weakness or paralysis on either side of the body
  • Pain, swelling and tenderness of the calf

These are red flag signs for which expectant mothers or their families must inform the healthcare workers immediately; the good news is that these side effects are extremely rare.

The long term effects and safety of the vaccine on the foetus and child have yet not been established.

Myths that need to be busted

  • One gets the disease after vaccination 
  • One turns positive after the jab
  • The DNA gets altered
  • After getting the disease pregnant girls don’t need to be vaccinated

Let’s bust all these myths and join hands to bust this disease together. Prevention, as we all know, is better than cure. And what is more important than protecting ourselves while we carry our precious bundles of joy? Stay safe, stay positive, stay informed!



Tips on Prenatal yoga by Dr. Shelly Singh

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Pregnancy…. It comes with its share of mixed feelings , elation , enthusiasm , positive anticipation as also fear , irritation and a host of other emotions you can’t label as positive. In these current COVID times we are all reeling under the stress and psychological trauma of this disease and its associated impact. 

I always reiterate the need for eating healthy and exercise. And what better than yoga? 

When is the best time during pregnancy to start yoga? 

You can start at any time as early as you like after talking to your doctor. Some girls may start in the second trimester though once the morning sickness of the first trimester has passed.

Health benefits of Prenatal Yoga: 

  • Your body remains flexible and supple. This always helps in labour and normal delivery.
  • Yoga and Pranayam also help in deep breathing and relieve you of stresses. It is one of the oldest forms of relaxation.
  • Yoga also helps in relieving some common problems of pregnancy like leg cramps, backache, constipation, leg oedema, nausea and gastritis.
  • Yogasanas help you recover faster post-delivery

Health benefits of Prenatal Yoga: 

  • Your body remains flexible and supple. This always helps in labour and normal delivery.
  • Yoga and Pranayam also help in deep breathing and relieve you of stresses. It is one of the oldest forms of relaxation.
  • Yoga also helps in relieving some common problems of pregnancy like leg cramps, backache, constipation, leg edema , nausea and gastritis.
  • Yogasanas help you recover faster post-delivery. 

What yogasanas are allowed and beneficial during pregnancy ? 

  • Cat stretch or Marjariasana
  • Konasana
  • Warrior pose or Veerbhadrasana
  • Triangle pose or Trikonasana
  • Butterfly pose or Badhakonasana
  • Shavasana
  • Yoga Nidra or Yogic sleep

Pranayamas or breathing exercises

  • Meditation 
  • These are huge stressbusters

Yogasanas not allowed in pregnancy:

  • Boat Pose
  • Cobra Pose
  • Superman Pose
  • Plough Pose
  • Sitting half spinal twist pose

Always remember

 

  • To begin with a warm-up and end with cool down
  • Set realistic goals for yourself after talking to your obstetrician.
  • To avoid asanas with inversion poses 
  • To avoid asanas that need you to lie on your back and hold it for long as the pregnant uterus puts pressure on the large blood vessels of the body and causes less blood supply to the brain leading to dizziness. 
  • Do standing poses as they strengthen the legs and increase their tone, improving circulation and even leg cramps
  • Reduce time holding asanas in the third trimester and do more of pranayam and meditation .
  • Stay cool and hydrated 
  • Wear well stretching yoga maternity gear.
  • Always enrol with an instructor who is well versed with prenatal yoga only after you get the go ahead from your doctor . Sometimes, exercises are completely prohibited like in cases of threatened miscarriage, bleeding in pregnancy, placenta previa, preterm labour etc. 
  • Listen to your body and do your yogic practice and exercises only till the point where you are not fatigued. 
  • Also let your instructor and doctor know about any associated medical condition during your past or current pregnancy . 
  • Moreover if you experience any pain or these red flag signals I’ve mentioned just stop immediately and consult your doctor. 
  • Let your yoga practice in pregnancy be fun , slow and relaxing rather than an intense workout.