Pregnancy requires a lot of physical and emotional strength. In this sense, the regular practice of yoga before and after pregnancy can benefit the physical and mental health of both the baby and the mother.

Prenatal yoga classes at Fred Busch Power Yoga, for example, are specifically designed to support the changes during pregnancy. We teach a variety of classical yoga postures specifically for the pregnant body as well as the necessary modifications for any level of yoga experience or stage of pregnancy. All poses are taught with an awareness of your growing baby.

Here are some benefits of yoga for pregnant women, to motivate you to start your practice as soon as possible:

– The standing postures promote strength, flexibility, and confidence.

– Seated and kneeling postures help to open the hips and pelvis, as well as lengthen and bring elasticity to the spine.

– Many postures work to expand the rib cage, easing the breath and creating space for your baby.

– Restorative poses promote conscious relaxation of the body, the focus of the mind, and awareness of the breath – all of which are beneficial during pregnancy and beyond.

– Back pain is a common complaint during pregnancy. Prenatal yoga strengthens the muscles that support this weight, decreasing the pressure on the lower back.

– Yoga relieves anxiety. Attention to breathing, quiet environment, music, stretching, and relaxation will help to alleviate stress before, during, and after the birth of your baby.

– Yoga for pregnant women gives mothers tools to connect with the experience of being pregnant, establishing a strong relationship with the baby.

– For the postpartum women, doing yoga helps them strengthening and realigning the body after childbirth.

– Some of the benefits at this stage women experience include regaining strength, flexibility, and energy, as well as finding balance and restoration.

– Yoga classes provide a space for mothers to connect with one another. You can have a “support network” of women around you who understand what you are going through.

When to start?

The best time to start yoga classes attendance is at the beginning of your second trimester. However, you may start the class at any time during your pregnancy.

For the postpartum time, after enough rest, you may join a Prenatal/Postnatal class anytime you feel ready to attend. Moms and their babies are all welcome!