Bikram yoga - yes or no?

Dishylo · May 2013

I know this is a really controversial topic but I'm going to ask anyways; what are your thoughts about practicing bikram yoga while pregnant?

I've been going to bikrams on and off (mostly on) for the last 10 years but just found out on Friday that we're about 4.5 weeks along. The yes and no camp on this seem to be so equally divided that it's tough to make a call on if I continue to go or if I stop.

A lady in my studio went throughout her pregnancy with twins and she didn't have a problem.

Thoughts?

esf60 · May 2013

my doc says no, but you should ask yours.

babyLOLO13 · May 2013

Doc says no for me and honestly during first tri being in a hot sweaty room was the LAST THING my nausea wanted. Also- you need to stay much more hydrated during pregnancy. I'd opt for a warm yoga room over 105 bikram.

rowanthefrog · May 2013

I think the general rule is that if you have been doing a certain form of exercise regularly, pre-pregnancy, then it is ok to continue that during pregnancy. I would say that especially during the 1st tri, if you can handle it, then I honestly don't see what effect it would have on the baby. I'd talk to both your OB and yoga instructor about limitations you might need as your belly starts to grow, specifically regarding twisting moves. I'd probably not go until I talked to the OB first though.

A

waTracy · May 2013

rowanthefrog:
I think the general rule is that if you have been doing a certain form of exercise regularly, pre-pregnancy, then it is ok to continue that during pregnancy. I would say that especially during the 1st tri, if you can handle it, then I honestly don't see what effect it would have on the baby. I'd talk to both your OB and yoga instructor about limitations you might need as your belly starts to grow, specifically regarding twisting moves. I'd probably not go until I talked to the OB first though.

The thing with this type of yoga is that it's hot! So there's a difference.

OP, personally I wouldn't. Right now we are having a "heat wave" in Washington and it got over 80 degrees...and we don't have central AC because generally it doesn't get that hot in the summer. Last night, though, I struggled to fall asleep because I was so hot, even with a box fan right on me. I get hot super quick now. That's why my gut is saying no to the hot yoga.

Dishylo · May 2013

Thanks everybody for the thoughts and comments, really appreciate it.

Strangely I am super full of energy and it's absolutely gorgeous in BC now so I might just keep up the walking until I talk to my Dr.

Appreciate it.

Leannebahuaud · May 2013

My Dr approved it. Generally if you've been practicing regularly for over a year it is Ok to continue. If you are worried about overheating, bring in basal thermometer and monitor your temp during class. I'm continuing my practice but decreased to 3x/wk, and just taking it easy. If i need to lay down I do. there are pregnancy modifications, your instructor or studio owner should be able to show you them. Rajashree has a pregnancy DVD. I ordered it off the Bikram website but haven't tried it yet so I can't review it yet.

andraeakrum · May 2013

My pregnancy book says that you should stay away from things that elevate your body temperature too high, like saunas, hot tubs, super hot baths or showers, and especially hot yoga. You want to stay as cool as you can, because getting overheated can hurt your baby.

Maybe just do regular yoga instead and don't push yourself. Better to be on the safe side than to lose your baby just to do some hot yoga.

coliecarryon · May 2013

I'm surprised on the amount of people saying its OK. Being in a extremely hot room definitely raises your body temp! I thought that was one of the big reason why pregnant women can't do hot tubs... mixed with dehydration I personally wouldn't. I guess its up to your OB to make that call

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