Yoga

[aletea]

There's conflicting advice on the Internet about whether or not it's safe to do in pregnancy.

I did my first class last week, and this week got a bfp. I doubt there's a correlation. It's ashtang yoga if that makes any difference?

Should I or shouldn't I carry on?

It would be much safer to go to a special yoga for pregnancy class with a teacher who has had specific training. The hormone relaxin causes ligaments to be extra stretchy so you should not over do it it. Also no postures that compress the abdomen or reduce circulation to the foetus. Ther are some very useful yoga techniques that might help in labour a specially focused class would teach these.

I did yoga right up until 37 weeks. I putt 7/8 hour labour with just has and air down to it (but to be fair, genetics probably had more to do with it).

The yoga teacher was very experienced though and ensured I was safe as poss, changing things for me as appropriate. She made the whole class to a pregnancy class for the last one before I finished!!

Oh for heaven sake! Gas and air!!

disclaimer : i'm a pregnancy yoga teacher.

As with all exercise in pregnancy, it's best not to take up new strenuous activities. Ashtanga Yoga is very strenuous. If you've been practising it for years then you can probably continue safely for some time, with modifications as necessary from 20 or so weeks, depending on your body. I understand from your post that it's a new thing for you, however. And thus I just wouldn't recommend it. You could injure yourself due to excess relaxin, as someone else pointed out.

Pregnancy yoga is designed for the pregnant woman, to relieve pregnancy symptoms like swollen legs, insomnia and constipation. It can also be very helpful in labour. Suitable from 14-40 weeks.

so I'd seek out a local pregnancy yoga class. You will also meet other mums to be which can be really helpful when you have the baby.

I had been doing yoga for years prior to pregnancy though - so concur with expert advice above.

londonlivvy I'm really glad you said that as I hated it! Ha ha! Now just need an excuse for not doing it as I joined with my friend!