Yoga During Pregnancy
A time of great change — movement, breathing, listening, and preparation for birth within a changing body.
Feeling Good Within the Change
Pregnancy brings many changes to the body: the body expands, posture changes, breathing can become more challenging, and there may be heaviness, fatigue, or back discomfort.
Yoga offers gentle movement that develops strength and flexibility and encourages relaxation. Working with lengthening the spine and posture can help a woman find more space within the changing body.
The practice can also suit someone who has never done yoga before, and the work is adapted to the stage of pregnancy and to each woman's situation.
Support From Within
During pregnancy it is also possible to work gently and consciously with the deep abdominal muscles and pelvic floor — our internal support.
Support From Within
Posture & Support
Learning to recognize the body and its sources of support, and to use them within movement.
Breathing
Breathing is central to the practice: it connects movement, posture, relaxation, and inward listening.
Connecting With the Baby
Yoga allows a woman to pause within the demands of daily life, place her hands on her belly, and make conscious time to connect with her baby.
Preparing for Birth
In class, women learn movements and positions that can be useful before and during birth, together with breathing that turns attention inward.
The emphasis is on knowing the body, movement, awareness, and presence — and on the possibility of being an active participant in the birth process, as circumstances allow.
Partners Are Welcome
A partner can sometimes be invited to take part, learn about movement and active birth, and offer touch, encouragement, and support.