Yoga to Get Pregnant: What to Expect

Reviewed By: Dr. Jyothi C Budi - Medical Director at Ferty9 Fertility Clinic, Secunderabad, Hyderabad

How Does Fertility Yoga Support Conception?

Fertility yoga is a type of yoga that is a unique combination of physical postures, breathing exercises, and meditation techniques to support the journey towards conception. By fostering a mind-body connection and promoting overall well-being, fertility yoga can be a valuable complementary approach for those trying to conceive.

One of the primary ways fertility yoga supports conception is by reducing stress levels. Chronic stress can cause hormonal imbalances and impair reproductive function, making it more difficult to achieve pregnancy. Through gentle movements, deep breathing, and relaxation techniques, fertility yoga helps to calm the mind and alleviate stress, creating a more favorable environment for conception.

Furthermore, fertility yoga poses are designed to enhance circulation and increase blood flow to the pelvic area. This improves oxygen and nutrient delivery to the reproductive organs. Increased blood flow can support ovarian function, egg quality, and overall reproductive health, potentially increasing the chances of successful conception.

Best Fertility Yoga Poses

Incorporating specific fertility yoga poses into your practice can provide targeted benefits for fertility. Here are some of the most recommended yoga for conceiving:

Child's Pose (Balasana):

This gentle pose helps to relax the body and mind, promoting a sense of calm and reducing stress levels. It also gently stretches the hips, lower back, and thighs, improving circulation in the pelvic area.

Legs Up the Wall Pose (Viparita Karani):

This restorative pose can help nourish the reproductive organs and relieve fatigue by inverting the body and allowing gravity to increase blood flow. It is an excellent pose for promoting relaxation and reducing stress.

Butterfly Pose for Fertility:

The butterfly pose, also called the bound angle pose, is a hip opener that can help increase blood flow to the pelvic area. It's believed to stimulate the ovaries and support reproductive health.

Cat-Cow Pose (Marjaryasana-Bitilasana):

This gentle spinal movement can help to improve circulation and promote overall relaxation. It is a great pose for releasing tension in the back and abdominal area, which can indirectly support reproductive function.

Supported Bridge Pose (Setu Bandhasana):

This pose can improve circulation and promote relaxation by gently opening the chest and hips. It is also believed to help regulate hormonal imbalances, which can be beneficial for fertility.

Cobra Pose (Bhujangasana):

This backbend pose can help stretch and open the abdominal area, improving circulation and potentially supporting reproductive health. It is also an excellent pose for boosting energy levels.

Seated Forward Bend (Paschimottanasana):

This forward fold can help calm the mind and reduce stress levels while gently stretching the hamstrings and lower back. It is a restorative pose that can promote relaxation and support overall well-being.

Benefits of Practicing Yoga for Fertility

Incorporating yoga into your fertility journey can offer many benefits beyond the physical postures. Here are some of the key advantages of practicing yoga for fertility:

Fertility Yoga Reduces Stress:

One of the primary benefits of fertility yoga is its ability to reduce stress levels. Chronic stress can affect fertility by disrupting hormonal balance and impairing reproductive function. Through deep breathing exercises, meditation, and gentle movements, fertility yoga helps to calm the mind and promote relaxation, creating a more favorable environment for conception.

Better Blood Supply to the Pelvic Area and Uterus:

Many fertility yoga poses gently open the hips and increase circulation to the pelvic area. This increased blood flow can nourish the reproductive organs, support ovarian function, and potentially improve egg quality and implantation rates.

AMH Levels Increase Through Yoga:

The ovarian follicles generate anti-mullerian hormone (AMH), often used as a marker for ovarian reserve. Some studies have suggested that regular fertility yoga practice may help increase AMH levels, which can benefit fertility.

Strengthens the Immune System:

Stress can make your immune system weak, which can impact fertility and the body's ability to conceive and sustain a healthy pregnancy. Fertility yoga, which emphasizes relaxation and stress reduction, can help bolster the immune system, supporting overall reproductive health.

Improves Ovarian Function:

Certain yoga poses, like hip openers and gentle inversions, are believed to improve ovarian function by increasing blood flow and promoting hormonal balance. This can support the production and maturation of healthy eggs, potentially increasing the chances of successful conception.

Yoga for Conceiving Fast:

While there are no guarantees when it comes to fertility, regular yoga practice has been associated with shorter times to conception for some individuals. By reducing stress, improving circulation, and promoting overall well-being, fertility yoga may help create a more favorable environment for conception.

Increases IVF Success Rates:

For those undergoing in vitro fertilization (IVF) or other assisted reproductive technologies, incorporating fertility yoga into your routine may help improve success rates. Studies have suggested that mind-body practices like yoga can positively impact IVF outcomes by reducing stress and promoting relaxation.

Lessen Side Effects of Hormonal Treatments:

Hormonal treatments, such as fertility medications, can sometimes cause unpleasant side effects like mood swings, hot flashes, and fatigue. The gentle poses and deep breathing exercises of fertility yoga can help alleviate these side effects and promote overall well-being during the treatment process.

Egg Quality improves Through Yoga:

In addition to supporting ovarian function, some research suggests that regular yoga may help improve egg quality. By reducing oxidative stress and improving healthy circulation, fertility yoga may contribute to producing healthier, more viable eggs.

Yoga to Get Pregnant for Women with PCOS :

Fertility yoga can be particularly beneficial for women with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS), a condition that can impact fertility. Specific poses and breathing exercises may help to regulate hormone levels, promote healthy ovulation, and reduce the risk of complications associated with PCOS.

Fertility Yoga for Men with Low Sperm Count:

While often overlooked, fertility yoga asanas can also be beneficial for men struggling with low sperm count or other male fertility issues. Certain fertility yoga asanas and breathing exercises can help improve blood circulation to the male reproductive organs, lower oxidative stress, and promote overall reproductive health.

Yoga Poses to Avoid During IVF

If you are undergoing in vitro fertilization (IVF) or other assisted reproductive treatments, it's essential to be mindful of some yoga poses that may be contraindicated during this time. Generally, doctors recommend to avoid the following yoga during IVF:

Avoid deep twists or intense abdominal work, as these can potentially cause discomfort or dislodge the embryo after transfer.
Avoid inversions or poses that put significant pressure on the abdomen, as these may also pose a risk after embryo transfer.
Avoid heated or vigorous yoga practices, as excessive heat and strenuous exercise may not be advisable during certain stages of the IVF process.

It's always best to consult with your fertility specialist or yoga instructor to ensure your practice is tailored and safe for your specific situation during IVF treatment.

Also read: IVF Cost: Myths, Facts, and Ferty9’s Affordable Promise

Conclusion

Fertility yoga retreats offer a holistic and nurturing environment for those on the journey towards conception. By combining physical postures, breathing exercises, and mindfulness practices, these retreats can help reduce stress, improve circulation, and promote overall wellness—all factors that can support fertility and increase the possibilities of successful conception.

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FAQ's

How can a fertility yoga retreat support both men and women?

Fertility yoga retreats typically offer practices and guidance tailored to support both male and female fertility. While certain poses and techniques may be more focused on supporting ovarian function or hormonal balance for women, there are also practices designed to improve sperm health and overall reproductive wellness for men. The stress-reducing and mindfulness aspects of fertility yoga can also benefit individuals of all genders on their fertility journey.

Are there any dietary considerations for a fertility yoga retreat?

Many fertility yoga retreats incorporate dietary recommendations or meal plans to support reproductive health and overall well-being. These may include an emphasis on nutrient-dense, whole foods and the inclusion of fertility-friendly ingredients like leafy greens, healthy fats, and antioxidant-rich fruits and vegetables. Certain yoga retreats may also guide you on reducing exposure to potential endocrine disruptors or inflammatory foods.

How can a fertility yoga retreat help with emotional well-being?

Along with the physical benefits, fertility yoga retreats often prioritize emotional and mental well-being, which can be particularly important for those navigating the challenges and stress associated with fertility struggles. Through various practices, like meditation, breathwork, and mindfulness exercises, retreats can help participants cultivate a sense of calm, reduce anxiety, and develop strategies to manage the emotional fluctuations of their fertility journey.

Can fertility yoga retreats be beneficial for those undergoing fertility treatments?

Yes, fertility yoga retreats can be a valuable complement for individuals undergoing fertility treatments like in vitro fertilization (IVF) or intrauterine insemination (IUI). The practices taught at these retreats can help manage stress and improve overall well-being – factors that may positively impact the success rates of fertility treatments. However, it's essential to consult with your doctor and ensure that any physical practices are tailored to your specific treatment protocol and stage of the process.