Your Partner's Weight

Weight has always been a sensitive issue with many women. With a pregnant woman it becomes an even touchier subject. Plenty of changes and challenges will come your way, especially for your partner, and weight gain is definitely one of them. Women gain weight during pregnancy for sure.

Weight IS an explosive matter!

• Suddenly all their clothes don't fit. Sometimes even their feet grow in size so their shoes don't fit either. Frustrating moments will crop up where she will burst into tears or become snappy because she cannot zip up her jeans or the buttons of her shirt or when stands on the scales.
• Many women dislike what they see in the mirror - the image is so very contrary to their normal body image that it shocks them. They are convinced they look chunky and ugly. The hardest time is the early months when the pounds pile on but they don't show as yet. Then things get a little easier during the second trimester when their pregnancy becomes more apparent - everyone gets to see and realize that they have not become fat but are pregnant!
• Ideally weight gain should be in the 25-35 pounds range but the truth for many women is that their gain exceeds this and they go on to put on as much as 50 pounds or even more. Losing weight post pregnancy becomes a tedious affair. All this combined put many men in a fix. On one hand the woman is supposed to gain the weight because that would mean the baby is growing well inside but what is he to do if his partner keeps growing bigger than the required range?

The Basics

• First, if you have been practicing yoga prior to conceiving, you may continue doing so in your first trimester after getting your doctor’s clearance. (Also, it is a plus to be familiar enough with your body to tune in to your limits.) If you are not familiar with yoga, then you must wait until after you have crossed into the second trimester, just to play it safe.
• If yours is a high-risk pregnancy, i.e. if you have to deal with hypertension, preeclampsia, or are at risk of premature labor, be sure to check with your ob/gyn before beginning antenatal yoga.
• Accessories you will need are a yoga mat, a chair, some cushions and a water bottle.
  
• You will also need to ensure that the exercises you are doing are suitable for pregnancy. Avoid prolonged standing and lying on your back for long periods, jumping into poses, lying on your tummy and all poses that squeeze/tighten the abdomen.
• After the first trimester avoid poses that involve prolong periods of lying on your back.
• As with any exercise do yoga movements in moderation and rest as needed.
• As a novice it is advisable to join a pregnancy yoga class where you will be taught the basics. Shop around until you have found the class and teacher you are comfortable with.
• Even if you are a pro at yoga, it is advisable to inform your yoga instructor on your condition so that you are given the appropriate attention and advice.
• Yoga steps can be very gentle while others can be more akin to a workout. A specific type may suit you depending on how your pregnancy is going, so make time to test them before making a decision.