Belly dance safety > Info > Belly dancing while pregnant

Belly dancing while pregnant

There is a common question among belly dancers who are in a family way. Are pregnant women allowed to continue belly dancing? That is a great question! Yes, you are capable of continuing to belly dance throughout your pregnancy. That is to say if you are having a healthy and normal pregnancy. That isn’t to say you shouldn’t get your doctor’s advice on whether or not you should be belly dancing. Remember you should always practice low-impact exercise during your pregnancy. Of which most forms of belly dancing falls into, unless you are practicing Tribal belly dancing which can be more up-beat and difficult.

Remember that during pregnancy you should avoid anything that is too vigorous. Performances such as a drum solo that relies on aggressive hip snaps won’t be the best for your pregnancy. However, anything down tempo can be safely performed during pregnancy. Remember to apply common sense to any exercise that you practice during your pregnancy. Avoiding any uncomfortable positions, as this is your body’s way of telling you it isn’t safe. Many women have even attested to belly dancing helping during labor, often times the figure eight as it helps to relax your muscles.

However, as with any exercise you practice; there is a possibility of injury. During pregnancy your body forms different hormones than you normally would. The one hormone that could affect you during belly dancing is a hormone called relaxin. Of which is used by the body to loosen ligaments in your pelvis. This can actually cause problems during a strenuous belly dance class or performance. Remember to steer clear of any over-stretching during pregnancy due to this hormone, as it can cause injury.

First and foremost remember that you need to listen to your body. If it doesn’t feel right, or if it is uncomfortable don’t do it. You are your best friend when it comes to listening to your own body, do not ignore it’s signals!

Despite some risks, belly dancing has many benefits to the pregnant woman. First and foremost it promotes good posture! This is extremely helpful during pregnancy, in relieving any extensive back pain. It also helps to maintain an overall general fitness which is always helpful in life, even during pregnancy. Not only that, but it will help to improve your abdominal control, which is important during pregnancy and labor. Of course these are only a few of the many benefits that you will reap while practicing belly dancing during pregnancy. Just remember to keep safety in mind when starting any new exercise.

Resources for Pregnancy and fitness and Belly dance safety

Belly dance videos
Belly dance DVDs
Plus sized belly dance costumes
Belly dance jewelry
Belly dancing belts
Tribal belly dancing
Belly dancing for beginners