Tai Chi and Pregnancy? Yes!

17 Jun

by Gerrie Sporken and Margaret Olmsted

A student recently asked if it was okay to do tai chi when pregnant. The short answer is Yes!!

During pregnancy or when trying to become pregnant, it is often recommended to do tai chi for a variety of reasons. Among them, tai chi and qigong focus the mind in the dantian, with a center point three finger widths below the navel, on top of the womb. By sinking the head and heart into the dantian, we nourish the area where the baby is growing. While I refer to tai chi here, the same applies to qigong.

Relaxation

Tai chi is all about relaxation – relaxing the mind and the body. Starting the day with tai chi awakens the circulation of blood and qi. Tai chi at night, before going to bed, can settle the mind and body and improve sleep.

Circulation and building blood

Tai chi stimulates the flow of qi through the body and enriches the blood. A whole network of blood vessels is built during pregnancy, and tai chi helps with circulation. Doing tai chi during pregnancy can also help balance blood pressure.

Tai chi is particularly good for nurturing the kidneys, including the 49-stroke kidney massage down the back. Support yourself with a good diet, with the biggest meal around lunch time, eating less later in the day. Drink at least six glasses of water daily.

Strengthening and Balancing

Tai chi chuan strengthens the legs through softness and helps with the increasing weight. When pregnant, one’s balance changes quite rapidly, and starting the day with tai chi or qigong is a good self-check, as well as a good way to increase balance awareness. When standing for a great deal of the day, doing some gentle water wheel qigong moves can be supportive.

Delivery

Tai chi is good preparation for delivery as it relaxes the hips and groin area, which will need to open up. Sinking in the form can help with squatting in delivery. During labor, it can be done to stimulate the opening of the birth canal.

Conclusion

Of course, as we say to all tai chi students, be gentle with your body and yourself. Rest when you need to rest. Stop if you experience sharp or stabbing pains.

And when you question if this is good for you, consult your doctor.

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Click here for more insights into practicing tai chi during pregnancy.

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Photography: Nino Souza