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Pregnant Woman Stuns With Advanced Yoga at 39 Weeks
11 Jun
Summary
- A 39-week pregnant woman's advanced yoga video went viral.
- Experts caution against intense poses close to delivery.
- Prenatal yoga and gentle exercises are recommended instead.
A video capturing a 39-week pregnant woman executing advanced yoga poses, notably a headstand, has ignited widespread discussion online. The viral clip features text stating, "39 weeks. 9 months. This is how I am living this chapter." While many viewers lauded her displayed flexibility and strength, a significant portion of the audience expressed concerns regarding the safety of such strenuous activity so near to her due date.
According to Dr. Archana Dhawan Bajaj, a Gynaecologist and IVF Expert, advanced yoga and inversions are not universally advisable in the late stages of pregnancy. She highlighted that the body undergoes substantial changes, including shifts in balance and increased joint laxity, which heighten the risk of falls and potential complications. Dr. Bajaj emphasized that the priority during the ninth month should be comfort, proper circulation, effective breathing, and preparation for labor, rather than pushing physical limits.
Dr. Bajaj elaborated that pregnancy hormones naturally loosen ligaments, increasing joint flexibility and making deep stretches potentially hazardous. This can lead to overstretched ligaments, muscle strains, or pelvic instability. Inversions, she added, can cause dizziness, loss of balance, and blood pressure fluctuations. However, she noted that for women with a consistent pre-pregnancy inversion practice, no medical issues, and obstetrician approval, modified inversions might be continued cautiously.
She advises that the guiding principle for exercise in the ninth month is how the body feels during and after movement. Discomfort, pain, dizziness, breathlessness, contractions, or pelvic pressure warrant immediate cessation of activity. A simple guideline is to ensure one can hold a conversation during exercise, indicating it is not overly strenuous. Recommended safe exercises for the ninth month include walking, prenatal yoga, pelvic floor exercises, gentle stretching, breathing exercises, and swimming with healthcare provider approval.
