Move That Belly!

Bellydancing During Pregnancy By Carma Haley Shoemaker

During pregnancy, attention is directed toward a woman's belly as the life inside her grows and develops. People pat her belly, listen to her belly, feel for evidence of life. But bellydancing? Do bellydancing and pregnancy go together?

Yes, they do! Women in all stages of pregnancy are learning to use the exotic tools of bellydancing to prepare themselves – and their spirits, minds and bodies – for childbirth. "Quite a few people would probably be skeptical about bellydancing during pregnancy. However, bellydancing, pregnancy and childbirth are in harmony. Today's pregnant woman can benefit from ancient cultural traditions," says Gaby Mardshana Oeftering, developer of the video Bellydancing During Pregnancy.

"Bellydancing was used as prenatal conditioning for women in ancient times," adds Delilah, an internationally-acclaimed bellydancing performer and instructor, who goes by her first name only.

In fact, the prenatal exercise market – which offers everything from yoga to low-impact aerobic routines – is now welcoming the more exotic form of bellydancing as a fitness option. "Midwives have pointed out to me that certain body postures and movements from bellydancing correspond to those used in prenatal preparation,” says Oeftering, who eventually developed a bellydancing fitness program for pregnant women.

What Can Bellydance Do for You?
"Pregnancy is not a disease," says Oeftering. "Pregnant women must not be sedentary, neither during pregnancy nor during childbirth. The pregnant woman has a need to develop a more playful relationship with herself and her baby. When dancing, the woman feels more supported in her femininity and in the functional capability of her body. Moreover, no other such birth preparation guarantees such an intense contact with the baby."

From a medical point of view, bellydancing addresses many of the same concepts that other prenatal preparations do. According to Oeftering, bellydancing can help prepare for childbirth. "During dancing, the pregnant woman adopts body postures which favor an optimum engagement of the fetus," says Oeftering. "The natural birth positions are standing, sitting and squatting because the baby's gravity can have its full effect. Through bellydancing, the pregnant woman arrives at the necessary mobility and strengthening of the pelvis, while developing the required awareness of the muscles used in the birth process."

Listen to Your Body
What better way to learn about your body – and how to listen to it – than learning a new way to move it? "Pregnant women, through bellydancing, acquire confidence in themselves and their own bodies," says Oeftering. "In my experience, dance and the emotions connected with it, make women feel a lot more autonomous and self-assured regarding birth. They have trained themselves through the dance. They know which movements are helpful for pregnancy complaints. They know what is of benefit to their babies. There are meditative elements to relax and release. Joyful music puts them in a serene, self-confident mood."

"I think that bellydancing is great for health, fitness and getting in touch with your own body," says Marnie Holmes, a writer from Sydney, Australia, who recently took up bellydancing. "I do it for myself and enjoy the movements. Also, my midwife thinks that my bellydancing is a major reason why my abdominal muscles are as good as they are at the 6th month of my pregnancy."

As beneficial as bellydancing is, there are situations in which it must be avoided. Fortunately, these situations are few and far between. "Bellydancing is only contraindicated where there is a risk of premature delivery," says Oeftering. "Classes for bellydancing should only be given by experts who are familiar with dance and the medical side of pregnancy and birthing. Pregnant women must consult their doctors for approval. Bellydancing is wonderful, but be safe."

Bellydancing Precautions
A pregnant woman can often perceive that her baby is cradled in her womb and lulled by soft, circling, rocking movements. These are the same movements that bellydancing mimics. However, there are movements of bellydancing that should not be practiced until the time is right.

"There are some movements that I call 'movements of expulsion,'" says Oeftering. "These movements include the hula circle, the pelvic tilt and soft shimmies. Where most movements result in a baby being lulled and calmed, these particular movements cause the babies to react with restlessness. These movements should never be danced continuously, as labor may be set off. These movements should be reserved for the birth process where they have a supporting and stimulating effect."

Pregnancy is a wonderful time of new feelings, new sensations and new experiences. Bellydancing will intensify these feelings, will offer even more sensation and will be an experience you will never forget. "If you are pregnant, I wish with all my heart that you may feel the comforting, pain-reducing and supporting effect of bellydancing, as well as gain access to your female strength," says Oeftering. "May the birth of your child be a happy and deep experience."

Want to see more?

• Exercise Your Way Through Pregnancy
• Yoga: An Ancient Practice for Pregnancy in the Modern World
• The Art of Prenatal Massage
• Talk about it!

About the Author: Carma Haley Shoemaker is a contributing editor for iParenting.com.