Pregnancy class dilemma

[Heyha]

This is a bit light-hearted compared to a lot on here so please forgive but I either need justification for being lazy OR a kick up the bum
I went to a taster class for aqua yoga last week and quite enjoyed it. Usual reasons, to meet people, do some light exercise, 'prepare for birth' that kind of thing. I liked the people and the place but didn't find it very relaxing as I'm not massively confident in the water or coordinated but I know that will get better the more I go.

However- the hour class all in all took about 2.5 hours with travel, changing etc. Too early to eat before and felt late to be eating after, so felt a bit grotty. And as I said before although it was pleasant being in the water and I'm sure it was useful, I was well out of my comfort zone.

If I go this week I have to sign up for a block but I'm in two minds. I didn't enjoy it enough to be chomping at the bit to go back but I feel I probably ought to (there's that 'mum guilt' already!). I think if I could pay weekly I'd give it another go this time then decide but I've got to commit or run really. There isn't anything else any nearer or at a better time so can't get round those issues by changing group either.

So, opinions- is it ok for me to not put myself out for something potentially beneficial because I can't really be arsed? And a lot of my barriers to going would probably improve if I went again, wouldn't they?

@Heyha of course you have every right to chose if you don't want to and not feel bad about it! I haven't started any pre baby classes yet but I'm going to give them a go and if they aren't what I think I'm into then I just won't go anymore. From reading your post to me you sound like you do want to go but deep down you feel like the 'cba' kind of mood which is understandable- I was like that with the gym. Maybe pay for the week like you said, go back and see if your mind has changed, if not just let it go.
Are these classes actually good at preparing for the birth? Few of my mom friends went to some and didn't enjoy them. Good luck!

Don't go! Find something else that interests you. Pregnancy and birth and babies come with so much indecision and pressure already, don't add more! I personally felt awkward going to any antenatal so I didn't go - hasn't harmed me. I was fairly laid back about it all though - a very "what will be will be" but for others maybe it does help their frame of mind. Do what you feel.

There is absolutely no 'ought to' here. Neither you nor your baby will be any worse off for not going to aqua yoga. If you want to go then great (I did antenatal yoga - on dry land - and really enjoyed it) but the sole benefit of these things is if it's something enjoyable and relaxing for you.

If you really feel you must do something, find a youtube video and spend 15 minutes practising breathing techniques on your sofa, or go for a half hour walk. Then enjoy the literally hours you have gained to do something you actually want to do!

Do it if you want to, but if you cba right now don't. So many people will be giving you "advice" for the next... well forever more so you need to learn to listen to yourself with confidence and without guilt!

Only go if you enjoy it. It won’t help the baby or make birth easier.

There is no “ought”. No “should”.
There is just you, and your own free choices.
You are under no obligation, you need feel no guilt, you simply go or not as you wish.
I went to absolutely no classes, fitness or otherwise. I still had two normal deliveries of healthy babies, and was back to my pre pregnancy weight a week later.
OP, you will find that a pregnant woman’s place is in the wrong. Everyone thinks they can criticise our choices, guilt trip us and gaslight us. Please don’t add to that by doing it to yourself!

Thank you all so much for such a range of sensible replies. I think I've had my mind made up anyway as I had to come home from work early due to feeling rubbish so I'll be taking it easy next few days. Love the idea of just youtubing a bit and saving the time and money!

I'm booked in for antenatal 'proper' as I like to be well-informed about things to stop me worrying about them but the aqua yoga definitely feels like an 'ought' not a 'must'.

Just do a normal aqua aerobics class they are not strenuous.

I quit pregnancy yoga because I just wasn’t feeling it. So I would quit, but maybe I’m lazy.

I just did an aqua natal class for the last few weeks when I had already started maternity leave. By that stage I had plenty of time and could go to a class during the day. I was also huge so really enjoyed being in the water for an hour.
I didn’t bother doing anything extra when I was at work, I could barely manage my normal hours without adding to it.

Don’t sign up to the block, just go on your own to the pool when you feel like it. Find another class where you feel comfortable and do that to make friends.

Nothing else any nearer and they don't allow you to pay weekly (private facility)...I think I may have found a gap in the market by accident! There is very little round aqua/pregnancy anything round here which really surprised me.