Using Feldenkrais for a More Comfortable Pregnancy

Pregnancy is a wonderful time in a woman's life. The baby inside you grows and develops and your body and mind go through amazing changes. During pregnancy the belly expands, the bones of the pelvis soften and widen, the organs shift, and there is weight gain. On an emotional level your brain is responding to radical shifts in hormones and is preparing you for the psychological changes necessary for motherhood.

Being pregnant can be challenging both physically and emotionally. Even an uncomplicated pregnancy can be disrupted by the changes created by your growing child. Some very common physical complaints during pregnancy include heartburn, constipation, and urinary frequency. Muscular and skeletal complaints are also common, for example

• Back pain caused by a change in your center of gravity


• Carpal tunnel syndrome caused by fluid retention


• Pelvic pain caused by hormonal softening of the skeleton and cartilage and weight of the baby


• Swollen feet and ankles, again caused by fluid retention

Feldenkrais for pregnant women can help reduce pain and discomfort while providing an overall healthier pregnancy. The Feldenkrais Method teaches simple movements that make everyday tasks such as getting up and down, sleeping, rolling over and breathing much easier. It is an innovative approach to movement that helps to alleviate your pain during pregnancy by teaching you to use and move your body in more effective and efficient ways. The movements you learn are completely safe for both you and your baby during all stages of pregnancy. In fact, it's been proven that reduced stress and pain can create a happier, healthier overall pregnancy experience.

When practicing the Feldenkrais Method, you should expect:

• Improved mobility, posture, sleep and comfort during pregnancy


• A deeper sense of trust in your ability to give birth


• A more rapid return to health after delivery

Feldenkrais increases your energy and improves your quality of life, while helping you adjust to the common side effects which occur through each stage of your pregnancy. And while pregnancy seems to become more challenging as it evolves, you will be amazed at how easily you'll be able to do everything from rolling over in bed, getting in and out of a chair or the car, and simply moving more freely throughout the day.

Want to find out more about how the Feldenkrais Method can help you move more easily through your pregnancy? Please check out Pregnancy and Feldenkrais for more information.