Pregnancy & Yoga

Almost everyone tells you how great prenatal yoga is for you when you get pregnant. And it’s not wrong. But even as a yoga teacher, I find it difficult to move my body on the mat. So how do I start a yoga journey when I just don’t have the motivation to move my body?

Breathing

One of the best things you can do for yourself is to work on your breath when preparing for labor and delivery. Yoga has great pranayama practices for labor to help center and handle pain. I used this practice in my first pregnancy to help me feel connected to my body and baby.

Meditation

A great way to connect with your body and mind through the anxiety and chaos of pregnancy is through meditation. It can also get you on the yoga mat. Whether you are just lying there listening to a guided meditation, or working your way through a self-paced meditation, it can help clear the mind. You can find prenatal and pregnancy-specific medications through YouTube and apps like Insight Timer.

Short and Sweet

You don’t have to do headstands and contort your body into wild positions in a heated room to have a yoga practice. A 15 minute practice can be a great way to feel better when it’s hard to move your body. There are tons of quick videos and tutorials on Instagram that can give you short practices. These are easy to fit into the day and can be modified to whatever you need it to be.

Take a Prenatal Class

Signing up for a class ahead of time can force you to go. Sometimes paying for a class upfront can force you to go. A prenatal class will also be geared toward your needs as a pregnant student. In some scenarios, when you take a general yoga class, the teacher may not know how to assist pregnant students or offer better alternatives for your body. In a prenatal yoga class, you are receiving tips and best practices for your body and everyday life. An even better part of taking prenatal yoga classes is the community you can find there. There are other women there going through the same thing you are. Finding connection through class is a beautiful way to find friendships.

No matter what, yoga can help you throughout your pregnancy. If you have questions about pregnancy and yoga, contact me today!