Yoga for Pregnancy
By attending a specialist yoga class when you are pregnant gives you the time in which to adapt to the changes which happen physically, mentally and emotionally during pregnancy.
It will help you to enjoy the experience of pregnancy more, to bond with your unborn baby, and to prepare for birth and the transition to motherhood.
Did you know that you are entitled to time off work during pregnancy for relaxation classes – Check out the maternity pages on www.direct.gov.uk for more information.
Class Description:
Classes consist of a range of breath awareness techniques to help with labour, adapted yoga postures, deep relaxation and visualisations. The classes are also a good way of meeting women that live in your area and many long lasting friendships are formed at this time.
Breath Awareness:
Learning how to make the most of your breath is of great importance when pregnant. You will learn to breathe fully and effectively, thereby increasing energy, and also learning how best to use the breath in labour. Breathing techniques are also be combined with sound to help bond with your unborn child.
Adapted Yoga postures:
Yoga postures are adapted for pregnancy and gentle dynamic movement is used to release and aches and pains caused by your growing body. Postures will help you adapt to pregnancy, by making space for baby while also building stamina and strength in your body. Combining breath and movement together will help you to connect with your baby further.
Deep Relaxation – Yoga Nidra:
Each class finishes with deep relaxation and a visualisation. This will take you on a journey in which to explore the changes in your body, bond with your unborn child and relax. Preparing you mentally to have a calm birth.
What to bring:
Just bring yourself, a non-slip mat, a cushion and a light blanket. You do not need have any experience of yoga, come with an open mind and enjoy making time for yourself and unborn baby.
What are the benefits of pregnancy yoga?
Pregnancy bring enormous changes, from the hormonal and physical ones to the mental and emotional changes involved in making the transition to motherhood. Yoga helps you to adapt to these changes by increasing energy, reducing stress, and helping develop a close relationship with the baby long before he or she is born.
Yoga also helps in preparing for the birth itself, by learning to expand your breathing and stretching capacity, and by giving you techniques to stay calm and relaxed through pregnancy and birth.
You will also learn techniques that encourage positive thinking and help dispel negative thoughts.
This builds confidence, especially for the birth of a first baby, or after a previous difficult birth experience.
When can I start?
It is recommended that you start yoga for pregnancy after your 14th week, as the placenta will be fully established and functioning. Even if you have an established yoga practice, it is best to be mindful of how fragile your body is at this early stage and practice deep relaxation to carry you through the first trimester.
