Yoga Pregnancy Bristol
Pregnancy yoga is possibly the ideal way to stay active during your pregnancy. Combining a great way to stay on the move and find a way to relax during pregnancy can be hard work. We’ve heard first-hand from students including our own Kerry Miller who report that pregnancy yoga classes can really help with getting a restful night’s sleep! Who’s interested?
If you’re an expectant mum wondering whether yoga is safe to practice during pregnancy, a seasoned yogi or a complete newbie, read on…
What Is Pregnancy Yoga?
Like traditional yoga, pregnancy yoga uses asanas (poses) and breathing techniques to balance your mind and body. Some asanas will mirror those found in traditional yoga classes, whilst others will be suitably modified.
Expect your class to take you on a journey of breathing and relaxation techniques that you can apply during labour.
Why Do Yoga During Pregnancy?
Pregnancy is a period of rapid physical and mental change for most women and over a period of 9 months you might want to consider taking time to physically and mentally prepare for the due date and beyond. Wave Yoga and Wave Sport and Fitness can help you with Pregnancy Yoga. Kerry Miller British Wheel of yoga certified instructor teaches pregnancy yoga through her dedicated Pregnancy Yoga classes. Share your practice with other expectant mothers who you will practice alongside during the course of your pregnancy.
Remaining supple and flexible during pregnancy can be challenging owing to the rapid changes your body goes through. You may experience some discomfort, increased lower back pain and restricted breath, which can cause sleepless nights and stress. Pregnancy Yoga can help improve pelvic floor, core and other muscle groups which can help you on the day of delivery.
Pregnancy Yoga Benefits
Yoga is renowned for its health and well-being properties, addressing common ailments such as backache and restricted breath. Pregnancy Yoga is a safe way to continue exercising and maintaining good fitness during your pregnancy. The practice allows the body to open gently, to release physical tension and to work through emotional fears in preparation for birth. As well as keeping your body flexible and strong, research suggests it can also improve sleep, reduce anxiety, stress and even depression. Those who have practiced pregnancy yoga have claimed it has helped with nausea.
Pregnancy Yoga can help you become more in tune with your body and breath. All of which aims to provide you with a positive & empowering birth experience.
Is Pregnancy Yoga Safe?
Current research on pregnancy yoga suggests it is safe and effective as exercise for pregnant women. Regardless of this, Wave Yoga recommends consulting a medical professional before starting any form of exercise.
When Can I Start Pregnancy Yoga?
Pregnancy Yoga First Trimester
Wave Yoga recommends getting the first trimester out of the way, after all people often refer to it as the more tiring phase. But fear not if you’ve never so much as set foot on a yoga mat before, pregnancy yoga classes are a really gentle form of exercise. No previous yoga experience required, better still you will be able to continue the practice right up until delivery.
Pregnancy Yoga For Beginners
If you’re new to Yoga then as above you may wish to get the first trimester out of the way, if you are really keen then feel free to reach out.
Pregnancy Yoga For Experienced Yogis
Feel free to reach out when you are ready, but make no mistake pregnancy yoga can be one of the better classes you can attend in your first trimester. After 14 weeks, you can combine Pregnancy Yoga classes with some non-Pregnancy Yoga classes.
What Should I Wear For Pregnancy Yoga?
We recommend wearing comfortable, loose-fitting clothes. Something that will allow you to move freely and easily, but above all, does not squash your tummy. Longer maternity tops that cover your bump are a good option for pregnancy yoga. If you have found yourself getting warm through your pregnancy then we’d recommend wearing a few layers so that you can peel them back as you warm up.
Grippy socks are also good, but you can also go barefoot if you prefer. Ensure you take water to stay hydrated and a post workout snack.
Unsafe Yoga Positions In Pregnancy?
Wave Yoga will ensure your instructor is pregnancy yoga certified, if you are following a pregnancy yoga DVD then the postures will likely be adapted and safe for you to do. But, be aware there are some asanas and breathing exercises that should be avoided in pregnancy:
- Lying on your tummy
- Lying on your back, after 16 weeks
- Deep forward and/or back bends
- Excess twisting (avoid tummy pressure)
- Inverted poses - headstands / handstands
- Over-breathing and breathing restriction exercises
Join Pregnancy Yoga Bristol with Kerry Miller.
Physical class booking
Online class booking