Standing poses are strenuous and should not be held for a long time. During the first trimester, many pregnant women experience periods of fatigue and dizziness. Energetic standing poses would not be appropriate at these times.
In the third trimester, vigorous wide leg standing postures may place too much weight and pressure on the pelvic floor. The same postures may be performed safely using a chair for support.
During pregnancy a hormone called relaxin is secreted. This hormone has a loos- ening and softening effect on the ligaments. For this reason it is important not to overstretch when exercising. Overstretching ligaments may cause unstable joints. Relaxin may effect the sacroiliac joint and create discomfort in the standing pos- tures.
One or both of the legs are kept straight throughout the following poses. It is important to learn how to correctly straighten the legs in order to create the maximum possible stability. Bend your knees slightly and place your fingers on your kneecaps. Tighten your front thigh muscles, the quadriceps, and feel the kneecaps lift. Maintain this lifted position whenever a pose calls for straight legs.