Pregnancy Yoga - Bernadette King

For many women, the first time they may really start to "listen" to their bodies is during pregnancy. Once this awareness develops, they also become aware of the importance of correct nutrition and the avoidance of various stimulants. Along with this is, quite often, the desire to take up some form of exercise which is suitable for pregnancy. Although yoga is not an exercise routine, its enormous benefits-physical, mental, emotional and spiritual-make it an ideal way of managing the many changes taking place on these levels.

Some women may already have an exercise routine or existing yoga practice and find, quite instinctively, that these styles are not compatible or appropriate to their needs, yet may be concerned that their fitness levels will drop. A revised approach needs to take into consideration changes in the centre of gravity, looser ligaments, weight gain and the various precautions & prohibitions that pregnancy brings yet without compromising an effective and fulfilling practice. It takes about 12 weeks for flucuating hormone levels to stabilise during pregnancy and between weeks 7-14 it is important to take things gently-even if already practicing yoga. It is helpful to focus on breathing and relaxation during this time.

Specific classes of pregnancy yoga are obviously the best option and are suitable for those completely new to yoga as well as those who have more experience.. Muscles are toned without strain, internal space is created both with asanas and breathwork, posture is improved, fatigue alleviated, stress levels are reduced, emotions stabilised and the endocrine system rebalanced.

Relaxation, breathing and visualisation techniques teach how to ease tension from body and mind and opportunity and space is given to establish communication and bonds to be established between mother and baby. Different labour and birthing positions are explored, as well as optimal foetal positioning, plus various other labour management techniques taught incorporating sound, breath and visualisation.

Some women can experience ceratin conditions associated with pregnancy, such as carpal tunnel syndrome, blood pressure issues, heartburn, sciatica, to name but a few! Pregnancy can also reawaken the "body memory" to old-sometimes very old- injuries. This can make for a potentially miserable time during a period in one's life, which one would hope to be enjoyable These can be helped either in a preventative or therapeutic way, by yoga and /or dietary recommendations.

All techniques are practiced with thought of movement and integral breath awareness. This mindful approach, avoiding jarring and jolting gives rise to a quietening of the mind, which is so important to manage the times when unaccountable fears or anxieties may arise.

The ability to "let go" is explored as an essential requirement for both preganncy and labour-letting go of the non-pregnant body shape, letting go of mental and physical tensions and ultimately both accepting and letting go of contractions throughout labour.
Some pregnancy yoga teachers also offer birth preparation workshops for women in late pregnancy and their labour supporter or post natal recovery classes for mums & babies.

The British Wheel of Yoga has a register of
appropriately qualified pregnancy yoga teachers.

Bernadette King BWYDip, ITECAPMDip, ITECIHMDip, is a teacher with 15 years experience and has specialised as a pregnancy yoga teacher for the past 7 years. She has worked with midwives & the NCT and her classes are consistently recommended. She has had many articles published in both local and international magazines about perinatal yoga She also teaches mum & baby yoga & birth preparation workshops. She is based in SE London, where she also has a therapy room for therapeutic massage, Indian Head Massage and Vibrational Healing.
She can be contacted by email at bking@ bernadette52.freeserve.co.uk

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