Yoga Poses Pregnant Women Should Avoid

Full inversions put the weight of the baby, as well as the uterus, placenta, amniotic fluids and umbilical cord, onto the diaphragm, lungs and heart. This is never good if a woman has heartburn—which is a common discomfort of pregnancy. Turning upside down is not necessarily good for the fetus as it gets bigger and begins to settle down into the pelvis head-first.

Modification: A modified inversion with the legs elevated at the wall, and the head and back supported by blankets or a bolster. This relieves swelling in the feet, ankles and legs. Stay in this pose for no more than 3 to 5 minutes.