Pregnancy Yoga

[NewMummy5July2011]

Hi
I'm starting a yoga for pregnancy class tomorrow (I'm 24 weeks) and just wondered if anyone has done these before? For some reason I feel nervous about it, because I've not done yoga for years and will be stiff as a board!

If anyone has done it before, what should I expect from the class?

Thanks in advance!

xx

I do pregnancy yoga its great! Love it, its great meeting other mums to be, the exercises are really simple are really there to help you get the baby in position, help with symptoms like cramp, sickness, etc. Also in my class which only has about 7 people in it, we talk about our pregnancies alot which is great, also we talk alot about OBEM and every thing really. Im off to mine tonight, I really enjoy it.
Oh and I found a new love while ive been going the exercise/pregnancy ball! Its heaven!

I've also been doing pregnancy yoga since 24 weeks, I'm now 32 weeks. It's lovely, very relaxing and soothing, helps with aches and pains, bonding with your bump, aims to prepare you for birth etc. Nothing like normal yoga at all, the focus is very different, more meditation than 'real' exercise.

We also always start our class with going around, everybody telling (if they want to) what's been happening or what's bothering them, it's nice to meet other pregnant women and see that you're not alone with your problems.
And after the class, sometimes people drop in bringing their new babies and share their experience, which is really nice.

I've got mine tonight, too!

Thanks both! That's really lovely to hear and has helped settled my nerves. I was a bit worried it would be like normal yoga! I hope my class turns out as good as yours have but I'm definitely looking forward to it after reading your positive replies!!

I did pregnancy yoga (had one-to-one sessions with a teacher I'd worked with before) and it was fantastic, both during the pregnancy, and really helped me during labour too. In fact, your post has just reminded me to contact her and arrange a session as I'm pregnant again now!

I love going to my pregnancy yoga classes - lots of relaxation and breathing techniques. I also do pregnancy pilates which is a bit more exercise/toning based - love these too. If nothing else, I find that at the classes it's great to be allowed to just be pregnant without having to consider anyone/anything else.

I did pregnancy yoga (NCT class) for 3 months and have only stopped coz i can't afford it anymore, but I adored it found the breathing bit at the start of every session and each week doing a different way to deal with contractions really helpful. And the stretches that create space for the baby - lush.

I have however downloaded an app that was recommended on here - Yoga Mama, tis brill.

Enjoy your class!

I also have been doing pregnancy yoga classes since I was 22 weeks- am now 33 weeks, and still loving it. It does get a little more difficult, the bigger your bump gets, but it's brilliant for strengthening and preparing your body for labour.

A couple of the ladies are still practising at 39 weeks!! I am booked in for classes until 38 weeks- when I think I'll be ready to stop & pop!

I have had one session so far, I'm 24 weeks. I have previously only done really intense bikram yoga so was quite surprised to find that pregnancy yoga is very, very gentle - more about breathing and relaxation. I would like to be 'stretched' a little more, if I'm honest - ExpTwins mentioned pilates and that might be a little bit more me.

But the classes are really relaxing, time out from the routine, and really nice to meet some likeminded women.

I did preg yoga with dd1 and it was lovely and relaxing and I liked learning about what was happening with my body. with dc2 (am now 31 wks) i decided to do preg pilates and i much prefer it. it's more physically demanding but you get the same learning about your body and it will be better for my back & pelvic floor than yoga was.
I think whichever you do, its just lovely to have an hour to yourself to really focus on your body.

Actually - I guess no pregnancy yoga classes are created equal, so maybe it's just mine that is mostly breathing and very, very gentle?

Apologies for appalling grammar in the first sentence!

Is 14 weeks too early to start going, do you think? I'm not showing yet and would feel a bit of a fraud if everyone has huge bumps, and I'm there without one!

Saffra, if you've never done yoga before, i'd start asap the preg class. If you are an experienced practicioner, do not waste your time... Carry on with you regular practice, but do not lye on your stomach, do not do kapalabhati, deep twists and deep bends. Everything else is pretty much ok. As you get bigger chaturangas will be more difficult. I did regular yoga 5 times per week up until 26 weeks or so. I still do some gentle regular classes at 32 weeks, albeit slightly modified. Some inexperienced yoga teachers tried to scare me early on in my pregnancy and moved me to pregnancy classes at 10 weeks. That was the biggest waste of time and money...

Thanks lilly13

I'm a beginner, although I've done a few classes before (Ashtanga), so perhaps worthwhile to start classes then - even this early.

Mainly looking to do something that feels physical and relaxing, without just lying there and a few gentle stretches. I think I might find that a bit frustrating, but I guess this is no time to embark on new physical challenges!

Hi Saffra ,

Definitely not too early to start.

I am a trained pro dancer, but wanted to be gentle on my body during pregnancy- antenatal yoga was definitely the best option for me, I also recommend swimming.

The yoga classes I am doing at the moment allow you to push yourself as much or as little as you feel. The teacher demonstates a basic position, and then shows you how to increase the stretch for those that want it a little harder.

They are ladies at all stages of pregnancy in my class, ranging from women who have just had their 12 week scan to full term.

Give it a go, I am sure you won't be disappointed!

Not too early at all. I tried out a few different classes in my area to find a teacher and class that suited me best, so glad I started around 16 weeks and settled on one class a few weeks later. I found it inspiring to see women much more pregnant than me, still happy and moving around etc, if you see what i mean. Interesting to see what might be ahead of me.

Thank you! Am arranging to go along to a Hatha pregnancy yoga class to see how I go. Unfortunately not loads of choice in my area, but I probably want to go slow anyway. Also reserved a yoga DVD on LoveFilm.... can't wait to start!

Thanks all