Prenatal Yoga Poses | Adho Mukha Savasana | Downward Facing Dog

Asana (Sanskrit)

Adho Mukha Savasana

Posture (English)

Downward Facing Dog

Description / Explanation

• From table pose ensure the fingers are spread and the hand is pressing into the mat with the index finger facing towards the top of the mat
• Inhale, lengthen your spine and exhale, curl your toes under and lift your hips up and back
• Arms are extended, spine is lengthened and legs are long
• Bring the feet further apart as the belly grows
• Melt the heart towards the earth as you lift the head of the arm bones

Benefits

• Eases low back discomfort
• Decreases leg swelling
• Strengthens and lengthens spine
• Increases blood supply to brain
• Creates space through the chest

Contraindications

Carpal tunnel syndrome and other wrist injuries may be heightened in pregnancy.

Notes

As the belly grows the expectant mother will widen the stance to ensure there is lots of room for baby.