How To: Open the shoulders and chest with prenatal yoga

During pregnancy the natural curves of the spine become exaggerated causing the lower back to sway as well as the upper back and shoulders to round. This rolling forward of the shoulders causes the ribcage to collapse down compressing the lungs and diaphragm which results in a breathless feeling along with feeling like there is very little space left for the baby. Another unfortunate result of the ribcage compressing the stomach area is the stomach acid gets pushed up the esophagus resulting in heartburn. In prenatal and postnatal yoga classes we focus a lot on chest opening and shoulder releasing poses that will combat the daily wear and tear of pregnancy and postpartum. Watch this fitness and yoga how-to video tutorial to learn how to open the shoulders and chest with prenatal yoga poses.