Yoga and conception

The Benefits of Yoga for Fertility

When you are trying for a baby, exercise is beneficial for your entire body, and yoga is one of the best ways to improve your reproductive health naturally. During pregnancy, it is much simpler to begin practising yoga before you start experiencing morning sickness or fatigue. It also lowers your risk of gestational diabetes and other pregnancy issues.

More importantly, yoga is a form of exercise that focuses on relaxation, which can ease the process of becoming pregnant. While there isn't a clear cause-and-effect relationship between practising yoga and becoming pregnant, all these advantages and the research on the subject seem to suggest that it may indirectly assist in conception.

What are the benefits of Yoga for Fertility and Conception? 

Below are some ways how Yoga can boost your fertility:

1. Increased Blood Circulation to the Uterus and Ovaries

Our reproductive organs are located in a region that doesn't often receive a lot of movement in our sedentary culture. And that severely restricts the flow of blood to them. One of the main objectives of infertility treatment is often described as boosting blood flow to the pelvis in traditional medical systems. Our uterus and ovaries receive nutrients from the blood. When trying to conceive, anything that enhances blood circulation is unquestionably crucial, and yoga poses accomplish this. 

2. Stress Relief

Stress has a negative impact on our health, particularly our reproductive health. Unmanaged stress can affect our libido, menstrual cycles, and insulin resistance, all of which are bad for fertility, especially if you have PCOS. Through yoga, we can release our tension and learn to respond to difficult situations rather than just react to them.

3. Reduced Chronic Inflammation

Numerous chronic diseases have been linked to chronic inflammation, which probably harms fertility. Yoga reduces inflammation by addressing some of the underlying causes (such as uncontrolled stress, hormone imbalance, and sleeplessness). This guards against harm to our uterus and ovaries, among other organs.

4. Improved Endocrine Function

Our reproductive health is governed, in large part, by our hormones. In the end, anything we do to maintain our hormonal health will improve our chances of getting pregnant. It is highly beneficial to do yoga while you are trying to conceive because it helps with a lot of health issues and also restores hormonal balance.

5. Important Body Awareness

Many women know that infertility has caused them to feel distant from their physical selves. Hearing the subtle signs your body is sending you about what it needs and when, might be challenging due to this disconnect. Yoga also has an incredible effect on interoception. 

Best Yoga Fertility Poses to prepare your body for Pregnancy

Below are some of the Fertility Yoga Poses for females -

1. Janu Sirsasana (Knee-to-Head Forward Bend)

• Stretch your legs out in front while you sit on your mat. If it helps, you can elevate your buttocks on a blanket.
   
• The sole of your right foot should be high on the inside of the left thigh as you bend your right leg.
   
• Fold forward over the left leg while maintaining a straight back. Reach as far as you can, then hold this position for five breaths while inhaling deeply. If you're less flexible, you can use a yoga strap over your left foot or a piece of clothing to assist you in folding forward over your leg.
   
• Change legs and repeat the motion on the opposite side.

2. Paschimottanasana (Seated Forward Fold)

• Along the mat, extend the legs.
   
• Raise your arms high. Fold forward while bending at the hips while maintaining a straight spine.
   
• As much as you can, bend forward while maintaining an extended spine.
   
• It should be held for at least five long breaths.

3. Setu Bandha Sarvangasana (Bridge Pose)

• Bend your knees and kneel on your mat with your feet placed flat on the ground.
   
• Lie on your back and relax.
   
• Your hands should be flat on the mat next to you.
   
• Hold the hips raised while inhaling deeply. If you like, you can clasp your hands behind your back.
   
• Repeat a few times after letting go of the hips.

4. Viparita Karani (Legs Supported on the Wall)

• Put a long pillow, bolster, or folded blanket a few inches from the wall and parallel to it.
   
• Lay down with your legs up against the wall, lower back supported by the bolster. Your legs and the wall shouldn't have any room in between them.
   
• Next to you, form a "T" with your arms.
   
• Breathe deeply while maintaining your position. Take up to five minutes in this position.

5. Supta Baddha Konasana (Lie Back)

• Start in this posture by lying on your back with both your arms at your side and your palms up.
   
• Bring the feet' soles together while bending both knees outward.
   
• Relax into the position, and if you are unable to get your knees to the floor, think about using blocks or rolled towels, or blankets to support your outer thighs.
   
• If you're doing this pose for the first time, stay in it for one minute and remember to breathe. Work up to unwinding for 5 to 10 minutes in this manner.

6. Shoulderstand

• Set up your mat so that the short side is up against the wall. With your feet pointed upward, you should have your buttocks resting against the wall. Your upper body needs to be securely supported by the mat. (You could decide to put a folded blanket beneath your shoulders to relieve some of the strain on your neck.)
   
• Your elbows should form a 90-degree angle as you flex your knees and bring your forearms to your side.
   
• To achieve a shoulder stand position with your arms supporting your centre back, walk your feet up the wall while lifting your core with your upper body.
   
• You can finally let your legs dangle freely above your torso, or you can keep them bent.
   
• After warming up, hold this position for a minute.

7. Goddess Pose

• Stand with your feet slightly apart. Slightly point both feet in the direction you are facing.
   
• Your knees should be at a right (90-degree) angle when you squat down.
   
• Raise your arms parallel to the ground and bend your elbows at a right angle so that your hands are pointing upward. As an alternative, you might gently place your hands on the nape of your neck.
   
• Keep the body in this position for 30 to 60 seconds.

8. Puppy Pose

• Starting on all four limbs, make sure your shoulders remain directly above your wrists, and your hips are directly above your knees to ensure good alignment.
   
• Bring your hands a few inches in front of you while tucking your toes under.
   
• Then, with your buttocks slightly retracted toward your ankles, press your hands into the ground.
   
• For comfort, place your forehead on the ground or a blanket or towel.
   
• Keep your body in this position for a minute or more.

It is highly recommended by doctors to practice yoga for fertility. There are so many poses in yoga to conceive fast. Find a yoga instructor, browse beginner yoga videos on YouTube, or look for online classes.

If you are struggling with infertility, incorporating yoga to get pregnant may be a natural and holistic way to support your reproductive health. The principles you learn from yoga can promote well-being in many aspects of your life, even though "just relaxing" may not always lead to a baby.

For any other infertility-related assistance, you can always consult the world-class fertility doctors at Indira IVF. To book a Free Consultation at your nearest centre, call 18003092323.