Are you wondering if dancing during pregnancy will harm your baby? On the contrary, dancing, such as belly dancing, is a dream form of exercise, especially for pregnant women. It is a safe way to strengthen the abdominal muscles, and also reduces back pain, wrist swelling, and strengthens the pelvis. Discover the benefits of belly dancing in pregnancy.

A few thousand years ago, oriental dance, also known asbelly dance , was born in the Middle East and North Africa. Although nowadays it is often associated - unfortunately - with erotic dance, it comes from the cult of the goddess of fertility. Initially, women danced it exclusively among themselves. His job was to celebrate or ask for female fertility, not to attract men. It was also used during childbirth. She danced in labor to help herself, and the women accompanying her as a sign of solidarity and support.

Does belly dancing during pregnancy pose a he alth risk?

From a he alth point of view - which not everyone knows - belly dancing is an excellent gymnastics for women of all ages. It helps in many female ailments, such as painful menstruation or osteoporosis. It is also an ideal form of physical activity for pregnant women and new mothers. It influences the improvement of the condition of the future mother, her general he alth, immunity, well-being, etc. However, it also has many other, typically "pregnancy" advantages. Hence, its advantage over other forms of exercise, such as walks, which do oxygenate and strengthen, but will not reduce many pregnancy ailments, nor help in childbirth.

Belly dance for back pain and swollen wrists

Back pain is often associated with pregnancy, especially in the lumbar region. It is caused by changes in body shape, increasing body weight, and also by the fact that you tense up and stiffen while trying to keep your balance. The many movements performed during the belly dancing relieve this pain. In addition, the starting position for many elements (slightly bent knees, pelvis forward) is the perfect posture for pregnant women.

Many expectant mothers also complain of swollen wrists and calf cramps. Here too, belly dancing helps - subtle hand movements, preferably performed while sitting (on a ball or chair), improve circulation in the hands and prevent swelling. On the other handsteps with a gentle rise on the toes soothe any calf cramps. During the dance you also gently massage the internal organs, improving their functioning. And many expectant mothers who suffer from constipation know how important, for example, he althy intestines during pregnancy.

Belly dancing in pregnancy strengthens your abdominal muscles

Belly dancing in pregnancy is perhaps the best method of working on your abdominal muscles. Contrary to popular belief, then you should also practice them. Strong ones prevent not only back pain, they are helpful during childbirth and will make you return to the pre-pregnancy figure faster.

Traditional abdominal exercises are inappropriate in this specific period. First, they are generally inconvenient or even impossible to perform. Secondly, they put too much strain on these muscles, already stretched and "strained" by pregnancy - instead of making them stronger, you can weaken them and cause them to loosen. Third, traditional exercises for the abdominal muscles often weaken the pelvic floor muscles, which are very important for women. Belly dancing has the advantage that it strengthens both, especially if you are simultaneously exercising the Kegel muscles by performing certain figures.

Belly dancing will make labor easier

Belly dancing can also help with the labor itself. Various kinds of body-swaying soothe the pain of labor, and movements such as circling the hips help the baby exit through the birth canal. Some exercises with roots in belly dancing, which are not remembered today, ended up in birthing schools after modification.

An additional advantage of dancing is that it relaxes and strengthens the pelvic area. A belly dancer with strong abdominal muscles, flexible pelvic floor muscles and great mobility in the hip and sacral joints usually gives birth more easily than her "unmoving" friend.

Belly dancing shapes body awareness

It is extremely important during childbirth. It is a woman who gives birth and no doctor, not even the best, will do it for her. Women aware of their body breathe better, adopt positions that help their babies and speed up labor, it is easier for them to endure the pain, and they cooperate better with the midwife. All of this generally makes labor faster, shorter and less tiring. With belly dancing you rediscover your body.

As a Western woman, you are not used to the movements behind it. Often in your first lessons you will discover with surprise that you have a pelvis, some muscles between the shoulder blades, and that you can move your chest in different directions. You start to breathe better over time. These experiences will be useful in the great finale it ischildbirth.

Belly dance versus pregnancy complexes

Future mothers often seem very unattractive, heavy, clumsy and fat. Belly dancing is not ballet, you don't need a flawless figure to practice. And according to some, the softer and rounder a woman is, the better.

Therefore, when dancing, future mothers often get rid of their complexes and improve their mood, which is good for the child. It is also beneficial for the toddler that the dancing mother provides him with many stimuli that have a beneficial effect on the development of his nervous system, balance and eyesight. During the dance, the blood flow through the placenta improves, the baby is better oxygenated and happier (endorphins!).

Belly dancing in pregnancy brings a lot of benefits not only to the mum and her baby, it will certainly also please the dad. However, like any form of physical activity, some people like it and not others. If you're not into oriental rhythms, go for pregnancy gymnastics, yoga, Pilates, swimming, but be sure to move!

You must do it

In a he althy pregnancy, in addition to regular visits to the doctor, what you do between them is very important. A he althy lifestyle, regular physical activity, exercising Kegel muscles, proper nutrition, completely giving up alcohol and cigarettes, a lot of rest, little stress and taking care of your own mental condition are much more important for your child than an expensive stroller or additional ultrasound examination.

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Category:

Pregnancy