Belly dance your way to easy childbirth

When a friend suggested that she take up belly dancing to keep fit, Sanjana Parikh laughed at the “ridiculous idea”.
But a trip made reluctantly to a local dance studio was an eye-opener of sorts for the 43-year-old mother of two, who was struggling with weight problems and joint pain.
Considered to be a sensuous art form by most, belly dancing conjures up images of flat-bellied women clad in flowing harem pants and swaying to Arabic music.
However at dance classes across Mumbai, it is not unusual to find plus-size women and even expectant mothers in track pants and tee shirts shaking and jiggling their bodies to a soothing rhythm.
“Western society and pop culture have managed to associate belly dancing with seductiveness. In fact, it is a classical dance from the Middle East that was used to ease aches and pains during pregnancy and even help during childbirth,” said Preeti Kochar, a dentist who moonlights as a belly dance trainer.
Kochar, who belly-danced her way through lower back pain in the last two months pregnancy, has been urging pregnant friends and clients to try out the dance form.
“I find it relaxing physically and mentally,” said Shibani Dhala, an advertising professional who is seven months pregnant. She takes belly dancing lessons with five other expectant mothers.
Gynaecologists agree that belly dancing may help in easing the birthing process. "Many of the muscles that are used in belly dancing are the ones that a woman uses when giving birth. So it a good way to gently and thoroughly work those muscles in pregnancy,” said gynaecologist Dr Rupali Birhade.
Fitness experts point out that this dance form has many health benefits because it involves the entire body in a slow and systematic rhythm.
“The term belly dancing is a misnomer. The dance form not just exercises the abdominal muscles and keeps them flexible and supple. but it also exercises muscles in the hips, arms and legs. Many of my clients find it a fun way to get into shape,” said Amit Salvi, a gym instructor.
This dance form also helps some deal with arthritis better. “It keeps the joints mobile and flexible hence helping in the overall fitness levels,” said orthopaedic surgeon Dr Rohini Varma.

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