Prenatal Yoga Poses | Parshvottanasana | Intense Side Stretch

Asana (Sanskrit)

Parshvottanasana

Posture (English)

Intense Side Stretch

Description / Explanation

• From Tadasana step one foot back approx. 3 feet, turn your back leg and foot out just slightly.
• Moving from the heart with the chest open take the heart towards the earth
• Keeping the torso parallel to the floor ensures there is no pressure on the belly
• Hands can be placed onto a block or holding elbows behind the back or in prayer pose

Benefits

• Eases back pain
• Decreases morning sickness
• Can lower blood pressure
• Strengthens abdominal muscles isometrically
• Broadens pelvis
• Lengthens and opens legs and hips

Contraindications

• Glaucoma

Notes

As baby grows the expectant mother should fold forward to the inside of the front leg ensuring there is room for the belly at all times.