I have recently completed some further Yoga Teacher training, in case you didn’t know, I am a qualified yoga teacher RYT200. Approaching my mid 30’s fast, and yet to have my own children, (hopefully soon!), I decided that Yoga during Pregnancy, also known as prenatal yoga, antenatal yoga and pregnancy yoga, was definitely something I was keen to expand my knowledge in!
So you’re probably reading this because you’re pregnant and you have heard that Yoga can help! Below you can find information on when to begin Prenatal Yoga and some of the fantastic benefits of Yoga during Pregnancy. Oh and CONGRATULATIONS because you are doing an awesome job growing your baby/ babies!
When to start Pregnancy Yoga
Most studios and teachers will ask pregnant women to begin joining their classes from 14 weeks. They encourage women to take the time to rest and listen to their body during the first trimester. You may also find that you feel too tired or unwell to join a class yet anyway!
If you already have a regular yoga practice, be sure to tell your teacher as soon as you find out you are pregnant. If they are trained in antenatal yoga they make offer you modifications throughout practice. However, be prepared that most teachers will ask that you do not take their class any longer, this is for the benefit of you and your baby.
If you are used to a strong practice, you may find Pregnancy Yoga a little slow for your taste. It is like this for good reason. But just like every other type of yoga, every teacher is unique, so if you don’t find one class suitable for your needs, try another.
It is to be noted that partaking in regular yoga practice during your pregnancy can do more harm than good for your changing body.
Benefits of Pregnancy Yoga
Community
Yoga during pregnancy provides the opportunity to meet women at the same stage of life as you. A place where soon to be mums can share how they are feeling physically and emotionally. It’s also a great place to pick up tips from both your teacher and other new mums!
Better Sleep
Many pregnant women find it hard to sleep, either because they can’t get comfortable or it is difficult to still an anxious mind. Prenatal yoga promotes relaxation and teaches you techniques that lead to better sleep and in turn: more energy!
Improved Digestion
Suffering from constipation? This is a common pregnancy symptom most commonly caused by the hormone Relaxin which slows down the digestive system. Yoga during pregnancy not only stimulates the digestive tract as it is a form of exercise, but also reduces stress levels which can play havoc with the intestines.
Improve Strength
Labour is called labour for a reason, it is hard work both emotionally and physically. Pregnancy yoga gently improves muscle strength, helping the body with the changes that are required to grow your baby. Muscle strength is important to prepare you for labour.
Body and Mind Wellbeing
Pregnancy is a time of huge change in both the body and mind. This can be quite overwhelming, particularly for 1st time mums. Pregnancy yoga can give women tools to use to cope and adapt with the mental challenges of pregnancy. Class can help soon to be mums feel more positive in their own body, more confident and empowered! Your body was designed to do this and is more than capable, trust it.
Manage Common Ailments
Pregnant women can potentially suffer from a very long list of ailments and conditions. These are not limited to but including sciatica, heartburn, carpal tunnel, pelvic girdle pain and tiredness. It is also possible to feel none of these symptoms, every women is different, as is every pregnancy. Yoga during pregnancy can help alleviate some of these aches and pains with certain yoga poses, making the task of growing your baby just that little bit easier on mum.
Ready to start?
I hope this list of benefits has convinced you, if you weren’t already, that Yoga during pregnancy can be extremely beneficial for both mum and baby. Find you local Pregnancy Yoga class by googling ‘pregnancy yoga near me’. A great book that can boost your practice from home is this one, use this guide in conjunction with what you learn in your classes.
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Love and Light
Lauren x
