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"Bellydancing for Pregnancy and Birth"
by Sa'ada

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There is no doubt that bellydance can express amazing femininity and womanhood not only for the dancer, but also to those observing these beautiful movements. It's not surprising then that the natural movements of belly dance, with its ancient roots, not only express but enhance the most unique of woman experiences: pregnancy and birthing. The physical benefits of bellydance during pregnancy are many, and the emotional, psychological, and spiritual benefits can be great as well. This is a beautifully large topic, and the below is just an introduction.

During pregnancy the movements of bellydance can help prepare the body for the months ahead and the event of birthing and labor, as well as add immediate physical benefits and ease the discomforts that can arise while carrying a child.

  • Dance improves posture and balance, and helps keep the body in proper alignment. As coordination improves, the awkwardness (that often comes from a growing belly) turns into grace and assured womanhood. Later on, the proper posture learned through bellydance technique helps in breastfeeding and carrying the baby once on the outside.
  • Bellydance takes the pressure off of the lower back, and not only is back pain lessened, but it relieves pressure and tension throughout the body's structure.
  • Bellydance tailored for pregnancy strengthens pelvic and deep abdominal muscles that carry the child, and are specifically used in labor. When these muscles are strengthened, the benefits to post-birth recovery are enormous.
  • Learning to breathe well and deeply during physical activity is a skill that will transfer from bellydance into the laboring process. Greater oxygenation and blood flow occurs during excercise, and the delivery of nutrients to the pelvic region is specifically targeted during prenatal bellydance.
  • Bellydancing creates openness and more freedom of movement in the spine, hips, and legs which allows greater ability to assume more comfortable and productive labor positions.
  • The movements of bellydance aid in proper positioning of the baby, and can help the baby shift to where s/he needs to be before and during labor. (With my first two pregnancies, the babies did not turn to be head-down until within the very last two weeks of being pregnant. We worked through the movements of bellydance together to help make it happen.)
  • Many women report better digestion and relief from heartburn and tummy upsets.
  • Labor pains are greatly reduced by a well positioned baby, rightful focus by the mother, breathing, and the gentle birthing motions that are mentioned above in this list. Pain is more easily managed and disperesed by movements such as pelvic rocking and shimmies.
  • The relaxation and release that is found through bellydance movements benefits every physical system of the body and creates an environment for healthy development of the baby, and allows for the mother to connect more fully with her body and with her baby.

    Taking classes is a great tool for women not only because of what they will learn, but also because of the muscle memory they are developing that will allow their bodies to remember the motions when it needs them most.

    This mother dance is powerful and positive. The movements are comforting and give the ability to soothe. Well suited to a woman's anatomy, bellydance can help create a healthy state of being for mother and child, and open up the opportunity for a deeper self-awareness and growth. The emotional and psychological benefits of a belly dance during pregnancy class are extensive.

    • It relieves stress and anxiety and replaces it with freedom and confidence.
    • The self-connection and awareness that bellydance engenders is necessary to a healthy pregnancy and birth.
    • Learning and experiencing in a class with other pregnant women, and with an instructor who has experienced these things as well, creates a wonderful sense of community and connection with motherhood everywhere and in all times.
    • The depth that resonates in this artful expression of femininity reminds a woman of her own beauty and strength. The power of motherhood and womanhood can in some ways only be expressed through movement and experience. Bellydance is a tangible expression that helps the mother feel her inner beauty and feminine energy.

    When a women feels confident in herself, her body, and her own abilities, it flows into all other aspects of her life. It will enhance her pregnancy and birth experience in ways that benefit her and her child throughout their lives.



    (Bellydance is safe during pregnancy. It cannot initiate a premature birth, or harm the mother or child. Women do many kinds of exercise and activities while pregnant, and it is always wise to be aware of one's own fitness levels, and consult with your health care provider about any questions or concerns you might have.)



    Here is a video clip of Sa'ada dancing while pregnant, 8 1/2 months along with her third child:



    		• HolyDancer by Barbara Getrost



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