Health Controversy: Jenny McCarthy’s Prescription for Hot Yoga During Pregnancy

My experience with hot yoga wasn’t entirely positive (let’s just say, I thought I was going to die right there in the 100 degree studio). Still, I remain intrigued by this intense form of yoga, and hope to get my courage up to try again. Meanwhile, I’m curious what you think of the recent comments from Jenny McCarthy about hot yoga during pregnancy…

Jenny McCarthy revealed on Regis and Kelly this week how Bikram yoga (aka “hot yoga”) kept her energy level up and her body fit throughout her pregnancy, which caused some to raise their eyebrows a bit. Hot yoga during pregnancy? Is this safe?

I spoke to Bikram yoga practitioner Jennifer Lobo, the co-owner of Bikram Yoga NYC (who happens to be 8 months pregnant herself and actively yoga-ing–doesn’t she look amazing in the photo above?) about Jenny McCarthy’s comments:

“First off, we never recommend a woman starts doing Bikram Yoga when she is already pregnant,” says Lobo. “All the women who practice while pregnant at our studios are long-time regular yogis. For me, now starting the 9th month of my third pregnancy, I have found it to help in so many ways. First of all, I never have felt moody or ‘hormonal’ during my pregnancies because many of our postures balance out blood sugar levels and get the endorphins going. Also, doing Bikram yoga has relieved me of any lower back pain the many people experience as their tummy gets bigger. Our whole class is about strengthening the spine and this has been a huge help in feeling good. Also, the class gives you energy and for me I need that right now. My baby starts kicking at 11p.m. every night so I have not been sleeping well. I need this little boost during the day! Lastly, my weight gain has been minimal because of the yoga. I have kept my arms, legs and butt in good shape!”

Lobo’s comments fall in line with what OBs have been saying for years: Exercise is fine during pregnancy, as long as you are continuing what you did before pregnancy. Just like it wouldn’t make sense to take up mountain climbing in your first trimester, it wouldn’t make sense to start Bikram yoga newly pregnant.

But, here’s where I have to chime in: I love that Lobo has had such a positive experience with Bikram while pregnant (and look at her bod–she’s a living testament to the powers of Bikram!). But, there have been no studies done on what an increase in body temperature (from a grueling Bikram class) can do to a developing fetus. And, plenty of Bikram fans–even instructors–have opted out of classes during their pregnancies, just to be extra safe.

Bottom line: There are no hard and fast health warnings or statements about Bikram during pregnancy, so you have to do what’s best for you. But I would advise you to talk to your OB, and possibly even a doctor who specializes in maternal-infant medicine before doing hot yoga with a baby in your belly.

What do you think?

More reading:

Kourtney Kardashian is bummed out about her baby weight…

Oh great: There’s a new link between antibiotics and birth defects

5 things you should never (ever!) say to a pregnant woman…

More Ways to Get Glamour

You could win $50,000 just for registering or logging in to Glamour.com!

Sign up for Glamour.com’s Style Tips of the Week and Beauty Tip of the Day newsletters!

Add Glamour to your iGoogle homepage.

Follow us on Twitter!

Photos: Courtesy of Bikram Yoga NYC