I fancy joining a Pregnancy Yoga class, but have no prior experience and don't currently do much exercise - is this a good idea??

[LittleNutTree]

I really wanted to join a Pregnancy Yoga class when I was last pregnant, but didn't get round to it due to work commitments, etc. I have the chance now, but don't really do a lot of exercise anymore (apart from walking around a mile or so a day through school run, etc) and I know that it's not recommended that you take up any new exercise when pregnant, but I wondered if it would be okay to start this since it's pregnancy-related? Also, I've not done any Yoga before and wondered if I would cope!!!

Any advice would be appreciated!

I can thoroughly recommend it - I get the best nights sleep of the week after my class (actually regularly fall asleep IN the class!) and it definitely helps ease my pg aches and pains. A good teacher should tailor the moves to your own particular level of fitness and give you advice as to whether or not it's advisable for you to start at this stage in your pg, but for what it's worth, my class is very gentle and emphasis is always on only doing as much as you feel you can manage.

Every pregnancy yoga class I have ever been to has involved a lot of making yourself comfortable with cushions and taking deep breaths. I reckon you'll cope.

I did my first ever yoga class in Thurs, and am 20wks tomorrow! It was fine, very slow and lots of breathing and relaxation- give it a bash!

You sound just the same as me when I was having DD. I went and can recommend it. The teacher was very good and encouraged you to stop if it was uncomfortable and worked with you it you had a particular problem area, like your back.

IME pregnancy yoga is much gentler than ordinary yoga - and the class I'm in, most of the women who come didn't do yoga before. I'd think of it as doing some prolonged stretching and focused breathing rather than 'exercise', IYSWIM. I'm sure you'd be fine.

Thanks for all your responses! It's reassuring to know that I would possibly not be the only beginnner in the class.

I had lower back problems in later pregnancy last time and from what you said Ineedsomesleep this could be really good.

I like the idea of being so relaxed that I may fall asleep in class firsttimer78, although not sure the other ladies would appreciate my snoring relaxed breathing!

I'm usually not the only one snoozing! I actually feel like crying when I become aware of her saying 'now start to become aware of your body pressing into the floor' as we get to the end, I could stay there all night! One lady feel asleep right in front of the door one week and we had to wait until she woke up before we could leave!

I took up preganancy pilates when pregant, having never doen it before. Was fine.

ROFL at the human draught excluder firsttimer! I hope you weren't waiting too long. She must have been a bit confused when she woke up! Do you practise the techniques/positions (sorry if incorrect lingo!) at home too? Do they have the same effect at home if you do?

Not too long, poor girl was mortified when she woke up tho!

I practice occasionally, esp when my back is sore and I've just received a free relaxation CD (I ordered it from here - although you may need to live in Scotland to get one www.infoscotland.com/stepsforstress/templates/Inner/order-cd.php) which had me sound asleep in minutes last night!

I live in Scotland too so will go and try and get my mitts on that CD now. Thanks!

I have been with both pregnancies, it's tailored to pregnant women so is not like taking up a new exercise that is much more vigourous. I did mine through birthlight, if you go to their website you can find a teacher in your area, here

Hi cinnamongreyhound, I've just had a look and have seen that they offer a class just down the road from me - I suppose I don't have any excuse now! Thanks!

I found pregnancy yoga very easy. Nothing even slightly tricky, lots of relaxing too.

I did pregnancy pilates having only done pilates maybe twice before, and I loved it. I have used loads of the positions through the rest of the pregnancy, and found it much more beneficial than I had expected.

Littlenut, if you want to PM me with your location I can tell you if you're anywhere near my class - teacher is an ex-midwife or health visitor (can never remember which!) and it's in a lovely little yoga studio. Is a waiting list tho. Re the cd, I ordered 30 copies for a work thing so it shouldn't be a problem!

I love my pregnancy yoga, I did it with my son 4 years ago and again now with this bump (no previous yoga experience). My yoga teacher also does a birthing workshop and provides loads of information on optimal positioning. It is so relaxing it's almost hypnotizing. My course finishes this week (I'm 30 weeks now) but she's doing some extra sessions over the summer holidays - hooray!

I'd recommend for every pregnant lady, in fact it should be available on prescription!

Thanks for all your replies - can't wait to sign up! I'm only 8+5 at the moment so will have a few weeks to wait, but having seen that there is a waiting list at your class firsttimer, may contact them soon. (Oh and I tried to contact you firsttimer, but I got a message saying that you have chosen not to have the facility?)

Sorry this is slightly off topic but my nearest pregnancy yoga place is 13 miles away and as I am carless don't think I can go. There is beginners Yoga in walking distance does anyone think this would be too much to start in pregnancy as it is not specifically for pregnancy?

Sorry to hijack the thread but found the above really useful just wish I had a car and wasn't stranded

Littlenut - I got that for you too! My class is in Glenrothes - if that's anywhere near you let me know and I'll find some way of getting the details to you!

I did go in to change it, thinking that you might send me a message, but I must not have done it properly! Can blame pg brain! I'm in Aberdeenshire so I'm a bit away unfortunately - the class I've seen advertised is probably about 15mins walking time away so I think that wins!

Hi madasahatter, don't worry about hijack, I don't mind! Hope you get the same great advice as I did. Just a thought, but can you maybe contact the class and see if anyone who lives near to you attends so you could hitch a lift? I understand if you'd feel a bit weird though, just thought it would be good for you to meet others in the same (pregnant!) situtaion as you, rather than a normal Yoga class. Would be good for meet-ups/advice,etc afterwards.

Sorry, got your name wrong there, MadasaChatter!

I did a beginners yoga class a few years ago, pre-pg, and it was a lot more energetic than my current class if that helps!