How to do Yoga Safely with Placenta Previa? |
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If you have been diagnosed with Placenta Previa (PP) you may be feeling quite apprehensive but, as pregnancy progresses 90% of cases of PP will self rectify with the lower uterine segment growing towards a more optimal position.
Placenta Previa occurs in around 1 out of 200 pregnancies. It is a condition where the placenta is located at a lower segment of the uterus rather than the upper end and overlies the opening of the cervix, sometimes referred to as low lying placenta or placenta accreta, accreta being a complete blockage. The placenta is a vital organ growing within the uterine lining that connects you to your baby, delivering oxygen and nutrients from your body to your baby’s via the umbilical cord whilst also removing waste products from your baby’s body to yours for elimination. Placenta Previa can restrict or block this flow of movement.
If you are in the earlier stages of pregnancy with PP your health-care provider may recommend gentle exercise, yoga in this instance would be ideal. If you are in your third trimester it is very likely you will be subscribed complete bed rest, advice which should not be taken lightly as this condition can be very serious. Even if you have been advised to be on complete bed-rest you could practice a restorative breathing technique, this can be done at home while resting or in your yoga class:
Yoga poses, should be held for a shorter amount of time than usual, take a shorter stance in standing poses i.e. less distance between feet and less depth, so no deep squats. If you have not been advised to avoid kegel exercises, there should be no strain on the pelvic floor while doing these, you can reduce weight and strain during kegels by working with instead of against gravity and slightly elevating the pelvis on a block or rolled up towel. Taking time to relax and breathe deeply is the most beneficial thing you can do right now for yourself and baby.
Sources:
https://www.researchgate.net/profile/John_Smulian/publication/7197992_Placenta_Previa_Placenta_Accreta_and_Vasa_Previa/links/53e293da0cf216e8321e06d2.pdf
https://www.uptodate.com/contents/placenta-previa-management/print
https://journals.lww.com/co-obgyn/Abstract/2004/12000/Recent_advances_in_the_management_of_placenta.2.aspx
http://www.idahoperinatal.org/documents/Exercise-During-Pregnancy-Guidelines.pdf
http://enjoypregnancyclub.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/Exercise%20during%20pregnancy%20and%20the%20postpartum%20period.pdf
Placenta Previa occurs in around 1 out of 200 pregnancies. It is a condition where the placenta is located at a lower segment of the uterus rather than the upper end and overlies the opening of the cervix, sometimes referred to as low lying placenta or placenta accreta, accreta being a complete blockage. The placenta is a vital organ growing within the uterine lining that connects you to your baby, delivering oxygen and nutrients from your body to your baby’s via the umbilical cord whilst also removing waste products from your baby’s body to yours for elimination. Placenta Previa can restrict or block this flow of movement.
If you are in the earlier stages of pregnancy with PP your health-care provider may recommend gentle exercise, yoga in this instance would be ideal. If you are in your third trimester it is very likely you will be subscribed complete bed rest, advice which should not be taken lightly as this condition can be very serious. Even if you have been advised to be on complete bed-rest you could practice a restorative breathing technique, this can be done at home while resting or in your yoga class:
- Find a comfortable position where you can enjoy peace and quiet
- Close your eyes and focus your attention on your breath for a moment
- Inhale through the nostrils, exhale through the mouth or, use gentle Ujjayi breath if you are familiar with the technique
- Begin to lengthen each exhalation, you can do this by taking a long sigh with each exhale or making an sssss sound
- With each exhalation visualise the placenta moving upwards towards the top of your uterus
- Do this for a few minutes everyday
Yoga poses, should be held for a shorter amount of time than usual, take a shorter stance in standing poses i.e. less distance between feet and less depth, so no deep squats. If you have not been advised to avoid kegel exercises, there should be no strain on the pelvic floor while doing these, you can reduce weight and strain during kegels by working with instead of against gravity and slightly elevating the pelvis on a block or rolled up towel. Taking time to relax and breathe deeply is the most beneficial thing you can do right now for yourself and baby.
Sources:
https://www.researchgate.net/profile/John_Smulian/publication/7197992_Placenta_Previa_Placenta_Accreta_and_Vasa_Previa/links/53e293da0cf216e8321e06d2.pdf
https://www.uptodate.com/contents/placenta-previa-management/print
https://journals.lww.com/co-obgyn/Abstract/2004/12000/Recent_advances_in_the_management_of_placenta.2.aspx
http://www.idahoperinatal.org/documents/Exercise-During-Pregnancy-Guidelines.pdf
http://enjoypregnancyclub.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/Exercise%20during%20pregnancy%20and%20the%20postpartum%20period.pdf
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