Yoga Q&A 

Are there any poses to avoid when trying to conceive? I am unsure about doing twists, backbends, and inversions.
— P. Sullivan

By Julie Lawrence

A strong, vigorous practice may hinder conception, so this is a good time to nurture yourself and not push too much. Most importantly, avoid all poses that harden the belly; these include Navasana (Boat Pose), Urdhva Prasarita Padasana (Leg Lifts), and twists. Focus on completely relaxing the abdominal and uterine areas. You can do backbends and inversions, but let them be supported, restful poses. Geeta Iyengar, daughter of B.K.S. Iyengar and the author of Yoga: A Gem for Women, says inversions are especially beneficial because they can balance your hormones and calm your mind.

The Yoga Sutra says success in yoga comes from abhyasa and vairagya: dedicated practice and letting go. Practice both. Do the following restorative poses regularly-holding each for 7 to 10 minutes and breathing softly, slowly, and smoothly-while giving your mind permission to relax the desire to conceive.

Virasana (Hero Pose) with some weight on your thighs; Supta Virasana (Reclining Hero Pose), with a bolster under your back and a support for your head; supported Sirsasana (Headstand), ideally in ropes or on a pelvic swing; Viparita Dandasana (Inverted Staff Pose), in a chair with support under your head, your arms on blankets, and your body completely relaxed; supported Sarvangasana (Shoulderstand), on a chair with a bolster behind your legs; supported versions of Halasana (Plow Pose), Setu Bandha Sarvangasana (Bridge Pose), Supta Baddha Konasana (Reclining Bound Angle Pose), and Viparita Karani (Legs-up-the-Wall Pose).

A student of mine swears she conceived twins by inverting soon after intercourse. You might not have twins, but you could have fun trying!

Julie Lawrence, director of the Julie Lawrence Yoga Center (www.jlyc.com) in Portland, Oregon, is a certified Iyengar Yoga instructor.