What happens in a pregnancy yoga class?

Each Love Baby Yoga Pregnancy Yoga class begins with each participant being welcomed whilst sitting supported on blocks with yoga mats in a circle.

Pregnancy yoga seated practice

The class continues with a centering practice for pelvic alignment and to draw the awareness away from the head and down into the pelvis to help you connect to your baby, followed by neck and shoulder releases to let go of tiredness and tension. Then seated asanas (yoga stretches) are performed to move the body with the breath to help to feel the effects of awakening and moving prana (energy or life force) through the body. These practices are also excellent for eliminating energy blockages in the joints and the outer extremities of the physical body which are often prone to swelling and discomfort in pregnancy.

Time is spent each lesson focusing on pelvic floor work to heighten awareness of the pelvic floor and birth canal in readiness for labour, as well as toning and strengthening the lower back and abdominal muscles.

Pregnancy yoga kneeling and standing practice

The class includes yoga asanas on all fours to open the hips and shoulders and to bring space to the baby and fluidity to the mother’s body, encouraging optimal feotal positioning. There is a continued emphasis on the safe transition from sitting to standing, with the upright postures and walks again to be used for optimal foetal positioning and during labour. Including group circle work to open the hips, bring awareness to the breath and feel the support of the other pregnant women within the group.

Pregnancy yoga breathing and relaxation practice

Pranayama (breathing practice) such as the Full Yogic Breath, Golden Thread Breath (for the 1st stage of labour) or the Birthing Breath (for the 2nd stage of labour) are introduced weekly to encourage the spontaneous connection to the breath during labour. The class always concludes with a yoga nidra practice (technique of the rotation of consciousness around the body for deep relaxation), with perhaps the opportunity to gently sing a lullaby to your baby, before group discussion and time to develop new friendships.