Pregnancy and birth is a multi-faceted time in a woman’s life. Whatever the journey, there are for sure ups and downs, excitement and fear, joys and difficulties. It is also a time when many are introduced to yoga and all of its benefits. Healthcare and wellness professionals advocate yoga as one of the safest forms of exercise during pregnancy, and regular yoga during early and mid-pregnancy can benefit in many more ways than most would think. 

Regular ante-natal yoga can help keep blood pressure normal, strengthen pelvic muscles, reduce swelling in hands and feet and even help with morning sickness. From a mental wellness perspective ante-natal yoga allows Mum to calm the nervous system, improve sleep, provide space and time for self-nurture and connection with baby and can positively impact on the mental and physical development of the baby. On top of all of this, practice can help prepare for an active labour by connecting with birthing muscles, improving posture which influences optimal fetal positioning and can even help recover muscle tone after birth.  

One of the most well-known relaxation techniques in pregnancy is Lamaze breathing, popularised by Dr Lamaze but also taken direct from yoga practices without much modification, which highlights how important breathing is in aiming to have a calm, active birth. Classes can also assist in building stamina, loosening the hips and pelvis as well as pelvic awareness and floor exercises to support during pregnancy, labour and beyond. Pregnancy yoga also aims to teach yogic breathing techniques to help stay grounded, calm busy minds and release tension, fear and negative thoughts. 

Find out more about classes and join our Facebook Mum’s group which is aimed at connecting local pre-and post-natal mums to aid in providing company and support at this transitional time. We also offer one of the most extensive Pregnancy Yoga Teacher Trainings in the UK which combines holistic, technical, practical and spiritual knowledge led by Yoga teacher and childbirth educator Alexa Dean and an impressive line up of guest teachers. For more information on classes and teacher training click ont he links below.