A first-trimester pregnant patient asks the nurse whether she may continue her yoga classes. The best answer the nurse could give is:

Question

1. "Yoga positions are safe during pregnancy."
2. "Care must be taken when you perform yoga positions that require balance."
3. "Stretching that accompanies yoga is safe during pregnancy."
4. "Positions lying on the back must be avoided, but other positions are safe."

Answer 1

2
Rationale 1: Some yoga positions such as lying on the abdomen or on the back are not recommended in the second or third trimester.
Rationale 2: As the center of balance shifts with the advancing size of the uterus, care must be taken when assuming poses that require balance.
Rationale 3: Stretching should be done with caution because of relaxed ligaments in the pelvis.
Rationale 4: Some yoga positions such as lying on the abdomen are not recommended in the second or third trimester.