safe to go to yoga?

[chellieboo]

They've recently introduced a yoga class at work which I like to go to, it starts next week, while i'm still in the 2ww period (it seems to drag so much)!

does anyone know if its ok to attend normal yoga classes while pregnant just in case the baby dust has worked this time??

 

[gingerpig]

It's fine, just avoid any exercises that put too much pressure on your abdomen. I was doing all those exercises mind and I didn't know I was pregnant until I was 7 weeks, it was fine, but this is not ideal lol. Have a quick chat with the yoga teacher and tell then you're trying for a baby so you want to avoid putting any pressure on the abdomen. Stretches like the dog, sun salutation (it includes the dog), the moon etc stretch that area just to give you an idea of ones to avoid. On the plus side, yoga can be a very gentle but effective form of exercise that will stand you in good stead throughout your pregnancy. Will keep fingers crossed for you!

 

[Bagpuss17]

That's brilliant advice Gingerpig, just let your yoga teacher know your situation so that they can give you alternative moves.

I did yoga from the second tri onwards. I had bleeding in the first tri otherwise I would have done it all the way through.

I can't recommend it enough, it really helped me during labour to stay calm and focussed.

It's so good for your well being as well as keeping you in shape physically.

 

[lauramumof2]

I agree with all those replies, its so relaxing. I was doing it while ttc both times and for a few weeks after I found out I was pg but it was the tiredness that stopped me going and the fact that I kept falling asleep during the relaxtion part of the class.

The breathing you are taught will be really beneficial to you for labour.

 

[Becs]

My sister in law's midwife had her doing certain yoga positions to get the babies head in the right position for labour! I'll definetly be giving it a try.

 

[chellieboo]

Thanks guys that really helps.

Have spoken to my teacher and she says she doesn't see it being a problem as she does not include a lot of the moves you mentioned as it is only a beginners class.

 

[ScottR]

Hi

For those who don;t know me, I'm a Yoga teacher in Scotland has begun to specialise in pregnancy yoga.

Hmm... Yoga for the TTC/"might-be" period... it's difficult to answer that question fully, however Yoga is generally discouraged in the first 16 weeks of pregnancy. That's not to say it's dangerous, however since most miscarriages occur in the first 12 weeks (due to the switch over from the corpeus lutum to the placenta NOT due to Yoga) it is better to take a "better safe than sorry" approach during this period and treat the first 16 weeks as a time to relax and nurture yourself. If something happened in that period, can you say that you wouldn't forever wonder if it was something you did (and wrongly blame Yoga perhaps)? You have plenty of time to do Yoga after week 16 to get maximum benefit.

If you do Yoga during this period it is best to do so for relaxation only and not do much in the way of postures. Your bady is adapting to its hormonal changes, needs rest, so give it time to recover. Any teacher with specialist training in Pregnancy Yoga will know the best way for you to proceed, be wary of those whose knowledge of pregnancy may come from half an hour during a teacher training course. Don't be afraid to ask about their training and experience.

Re the other post about Yoga postures for foetal positioning, the tutor on my YfP course had about 20-30 pregnant students coming to class each week for the past 6 months, and only 1 breach and no caesarians out of them all. Also no post-partum depression for the mums and tshe claims that yoga babies are much quieter and more contented (apparently there's recent scientific evidence explaining this, indicating that our base stress levels for our entire lives are set during our time in the womb, depending on the stress levels of mum - hence decrease mum's stress levels and baby will stand a better chance of coping with stress in their life). Changing foetal positioning with Yoga is best done in advance of labour though.

My heartfelt advice is to find someone who is specially trained in pregnancy Yoga as most teachers don't receive enough training to truly give you the full advantage that Yoga can give you in enjoying the experience of pregnancy and birth.

Feel free to ask me any specific questions on Pre- and Post-natal Yoga, or IM me if you want specific advice..

Hope that helps,

Scott

 

[chellieboo]

thanks ScottR. I appeciate your advice.