Congratulations on your pregnancy! This page is for you to read at your own time.

Yoga is an appropriate practice for any age and any level of strength, fitness and flexibility. However, there are several medical conditions that require a slightly different training and special attention from the teacher and practitioner. Therefore, please complete the form below so that we can review it and assess your personal needs. If you have any questions please feel free to get in touch and ask.


*Benefits of Yoga during Pregnancy*
Yoga is a great tool for maintaining a toned body and a clear, relaxed mind during your pregnancy and support the perfect environment for your baby to develop and grow. The different postures help ease tightness and tensions in the muscles while the breathing techniques work on a deeper energetic and mental level to release fears, anxiety and to calm and clear the mind. A regular Prenatal Yoga is also very useful to prevent common pregnancy alignments such as backache, sciatica, insomnia, swollen hands and ankles and can help with heartburn, varicose veins, and headaches.

During the class we will also introduce specific positions and breathing exercises that can be useful tools during
birthing your baby. Available and recommended any time from 12 to 40 weeks stage of pregnancy.


*Healthy Pregnancy - Healthy yoga practice*
Being pregnant is a transformative and natural state in a woman’s life. It is fundamental that you learn to listen to your own body and let your body guide you through your practice. Due to the changes in your body please note the following in your yoga practice:
- Flexibility: Hormonal changes will make your body and joints more flexible to allow for the growth of your baby and to prepare for delivery. If you are new to yoga do not push yourself - only go 80% of what your body will allow you and stay there. If you are an experienced yogini resist the temptation to go any further than what you could do before your pregnancy.
- No lying supine: Avoid lying  flat on your back as your baby starts to grow (after 12-16 weeks) for too long. As a general guide you may want to lie on your side or other alternatives discussed in class, or add support under your legs / chest.
-Stomach crunches: Avoid pressure on your stomach - give your baby room and space to grow and move.
-Forward bends: As above make space for your baby. You can still do forward bends but allow plenty of space for your bump and keep your legs apart to make room for your growing baby.
-Twists: As above - there are many twists to help open the upper body that will not put pressure on your
abdomen.
-Backbends: Should be done very carefully to open the upper chest only. Otherwise it will overstretch you abdomen, which is already expanding, and may put too much pressure on your lower back.
-Keep moving - body and breath: let your body move to avoid any discomfort some static postures may bring.
-Your breath should flow easy so do not do any breath retention at this state or certain pranayama.
-Most importantly this is a good time to listen to your body and breath. Take it easy, modify whenever you need and easy out of a posture that gives any form of pain.

Many thanks for taking the time to read these notes. We are happy that you chose to share this very special
moment in your life with us and please let us know if there is anything you would like us to do to make your
attendance to our class more comfortable and enjoyable.