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Pre-natal yoga classes are a fun way to stay fit, relaxed and healthy during pregnancy, as well as helping to prepare the mother-to-be for labour and beyond. The yoga poses are modified to ensure safety and to benefit both mother and baby.
The one-and-a-half-hour class generally begins with some gentle relaxation poses (reclining supported). We then move into the energizing (standing) poses, followed by several quieting (seated) poses before finishing with a reclining relaxation pose.
The practice of yoga during pregnancy is a gift to yourself and your baby.
• You empower yourself by taking active steps towards health and happiness and in doing so you validate the importance of these things.
• You develop a deeper awareness of your body and your mind.
• The dynamic poses help keep your heart and vascular system healthy! They bring energy and cheerfulness.
• The spine is strengthened to help minimize backache.
• Yoga is inventive in finding ways to create a little more space for your abdominal organs, diaphragm and lungs, enabling more efficient functioning and providing greater comfort.
• Certain postures provide relief from some of the common complaints of pregnancy such as indigestion and swelling of the legs.
• Muscles that you didn’t know you had are strengthened and ones that you did know are stretched.
• Simple relaxation techniques are practiced (these will be most useful during labor and over the next 18 years!)
• In class, before and after, you can connect with other pregnant women in your community. You are not alone!
Prenatal class timetable
• Tuesdays at 8pm
Classes are one-and-a-half hours.
View timetable  Timetable PDF
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Taking Care
You need to discuss your intention to practice yoga with your obstetrician. All complications must be discussed with your yoga teacher prior to class, as some poses are contra-indicated for certain conditions.
You can practice yoga throughout the entire pregnancy except between weeks 8 and 12. This exemption is a precautionary measure to help safeguard your pregnancy.
Your teacher will be keeping a close eye on you during class, however you also have a responsibility to your own and your baby’s wellbeing.
Therefore, in class:
• Never push yourself to the point of breathlessness.
• Always ensure there is no pressure on your abdomen.
• Don’t suffer quietly! If you are uncomfortable come out of the pose and alert your teacher. She will be able to help you. That is her job.
• If you experience any lightheadedness or dizziness sit down carefully but quickly on the floor.
• If you are unsure of anything ask your teacher
Absolute Beginners
Because women often desire a better understanding of their wondrous, changing bodies during pregnancy, and as a forerunner to the nurturing to come, they begin to make changes to lifestyle, including eating healthier food, and starting yoga classes. Therefore the pre-natal classes are designed to accommodate absolute beginners to yoga.
Experienced Yoga Students
More experienced students may wish to continue with their regular classes, making modifications to their practice when appropriate. It is however very useful to attend the prenatal classes as you will learn the modified poses in greater detail and receive more specific instructions and poses relating to pregnancy. This understanding will benefit and be a useful adjunct to your regular practice.
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