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Belly Dance in Pregnancy....                                                          



  Cathy in Baladi

The amount and type of exercise you do in your pregnancy is relative to the amount and type of exercise you did prior to falling pregnant…..so if you have been doing belly dancing for a while before falling pregnant you will probably be able to dance at a higher level than someone who is taking it up for the first time.  If you are new to belly dance,  be guided by your teacher and proceed carefully.

 And remember… you know your body better than anyone else – so if it doesn’t feel right, don’t do it!!  

 
  Benefits of Belly Dance in Pregnancy
 

  • Promotes good posture

  • Helps maintain general fitness

  • Improves abdominal control and awareness 

  • Many movements useful for relieving back ache during pregnancy and labour

  • Helps maintain pelvic floor tone through connection with deep abdominals

  • Promotes balance and co-ordination

  • Non jarring/non contact activity 

  • Fun and social 

  • Body shape no boundary 

  • May help with constipation
 
  Precautions for Belly Dance in Pregnancy
 

Avoid or take care with movements that accentuate a deep lumbar curve:

  • Avoid back bends

  • Maintain a neutral pelvic tilt (ie keep your bottom tucked under)

Be aware of the softening of the ligaments in your body, especially the pelvic region, and therefore the increase risk of ligament strain:

  • Avoid sharp changes of direction

  • Avoid jumps

  • Take care with hip twists (avoid or soften them)

  • Avoid sharp movements - you may need to soften your hip drops/ lifts/ flicks

Make sure you know how to co-contract your deep abdominals and pelvic floor muscles for stability and support. This means gently activating both your pelvic floor and deep abdominals while you dance.

 

This site is being built and maintained by Lorelle. All photographs are under copyright. Site updated:19/5/08