Tai Chi and Pregnancy

[kdaniellecooks]

I have just begun my studies with Tai Chi, however, I have also recently become pregnant. I am very excited, but would also like to continue my program with Tai Chi. Is there any word on whether Tai Chi is an acceptable program to do while pregnant. I know there are numerous fitness tapes out there for prenatal yoga, but I have yet to find any using Tai Chi. Is this because the standard forms are still acceptable, or because there is no market to alter them? Any help would be greatly appreciated!!
Thank you

[soraya]

Generally speaking Tai Chi for Arthritis or Sun style is recommendable for pregnancy. It does not contain any kicks which is suitable for pregnancy.However, especially when it is a new exercise which is commenced after pregnancy it is EXTREMELY important to consult with the obstetrician and pregnancy physiotherapist. Breathing and relaxation exercises are especially important during pregnancy

Just a few hints:
It is important to avoid everything that increase risk of falling

Low squatting as in Chen style is not recommendable, low squatting and lifting heavy items generally should be avoided

Post standing like zhan zhuang should be ommitted

Kicks better avoided due to joint viability. In fact everything that increase fall risk

Much natural walking and non-weight bearing is recommended. Sun style is very consistent with this.

[soraya]

Where do you live? There is an instructor's page on the left side of this Forum, some of the instructors are obstetricians. Alternatively you may use Dr. Lam's video"Tai Chi for Arthritis" which is also very suitable for pregnancy, click on the left side of this Forum under videos.

All the best for your pregnancy, it's a wonderful experience and write again when having other questions

[bobo711]

TaiChi and Pregnancy

I see Soraya has some good advice for you, like she always does. I'm always impressed by her posts and replys. You might want to try one of Dr. Lam's instructors, Carolyn Cooper, on the instructor's list. She does offer a Tai Chi for Pregnancy video. I've recently got her Tai Chi for Kids video and it is well done. Also, Carolyn seems to be such a fine and helpful teacher. If you have interest please contact her at her e-mail address on the instructor's list. You will find Carolyn if you scroll all the way down the list until you get to Utah. Best of luck to you and with your pregnancy. Take care.

Bob

[carolinew]

As far as I know Tai Chi is quite safe during pregnacy, but do speak to your instructor.

There is a girl in my class who did Tai Chi most of the way through her prgnancy. Some of the exercises she wasn't able to do as they affected things like th blood flow, but otherwise the young lady had a problem free pregnancy. My class does traditional yang style long form and the girl was studying tai chi for some time before she got pregnant.

If you go for one of the gentler forms and speak to your instructor and docotr there should be no problems. There is lots of good advice here!

Good luck with your pregnancy, I hope you have a lovely healthy baby