Bye-Bye Lower Back Pain: Yoga Sequence For Mommies-to-Be

It may not be the safest idea for an expectant momma to train for a marathon, but she can and should still do moderate exercise. Prenatal yoga will be your saving grace to keep your muscles strong and supple, improve the flexibility and balance you often lose as your belly grows, and as a bonus, it'll also mentally and physically prepare you for labor. If you've already tried this sequence to open tight hips and hamstrings, here's another one that will stretch your hips and back, which should alleviate some of the lower back or pelvic pain many pregos complain of.

 

Lift your torso back to a neutral position, and straighten both legs. Inhale as you turn your toes in and exhale to slowly bend forward, folding at your hips. In this variation of Wide-Legged Forward Bend, hold on to opposite elbows and allow your torso to hang. Try to shift your weight forward into your toes, holding here for five deep breaths.