Rajashree's Pregnancy Yoga
"Practicing during my pregnancy allowed me to have much more energy and stay conscious about my eating and water intake. Also, I have not had any major swelling and get comments about how active I seem this time around. I can’t wait to continue practicing after my baby is born!"
-HHY member Nelly
-HHY member Nelly
Yes, you can continue to practice yoga during pregnancy!
In fact, a regular yoga practice is one of the best ways to nurture your health and your growing baby.
In fact, a regular yoga practice is one of the best ways to nurture your health and your growing baby.
Physically, you will keep all the right muscles strong and supple in order to prepare for a healthy pregnancy and delivery. Psychologically, you will build the patience, gentleness and confidence that will help you be the best mother you can be.
But what about the heat?
Rajashree's Pregnancy Yoga can safely be practiced with or without the heat.
Pregnant women are often advised to stay away from hot tubs, so naturally you might feel tentative about hot yoga. No worries! The reason hot tubs are a no-go for expecting moms is that your body is not able to effectively regulate its temp when you are submerged in hot water, so the concern is that your core temperature will rise to a level unsafe for baby.
However in hot yoga class, your body IS able to cool itself by the evaporation of the sweat off your skin, meaning that your core temperature will not rise significantly even in a room heated to 105 degrees. Many women have tested this by bringing a thermometer into class and found it to hold true.
That said, some mums-to-be don't feel so great in the heat! One of the wonderful things about practicing yoga at home with our online classes is that you are totally in charge of the environment. We recommend a room at least warm enough that you can wear a tank top comfortably.
Rajashree's Pregnancy Yoga can safely be practiced with or without the heat.
Pregnant women are often advised to stay away from hot tubs, so naturally you might feel tentative about hot yoga. No worries! The reason hot tubs are a no-go for expecting moms is that your body is not able to effectively regulate its temp when you are submerged in hot water, so the concern is that your core temperature will rise to a level unsafe for baby.
However in hot yoga class, your body IS able to cool itself by the evaporation of the sweat off your skin, meaning that your core temperature will not rise significantly even in a room heated to 105 degrees. Many women have tested this by bringing a thermometer into class and found it to hold true.
That said, some mums-to-be don't feel so great in the heat! One of the wonderful things about practicing yoga at home with our online classes is that you are totally in charge of the environment. We recommend a room at least warm enough that you can wear a tank top comfortably.
What can I expect during class?
Your body and your baby are changing and growing daily, so of course your yoga practice will be very different daily too. Physical balance may be more of a challenge, you will enjoy some added flexibility, you might tire more easily, etc. Every lady, and every pregnancy, is unique! In general it is immensely healthy for your body to sweat and for your muscles to stretch and relax. Especially during pregnancy, it is important to listen to your body's (and your baby's) messages and rest whenever and however much you need to.
Ok, I'm convinced! How do I start?
Join here for access to all our online classes including Pregnancy Yoga. We highly recommend you purchase Rajashree's book for a more detailed look at the benefits and special modifications. When you join you will also be able to download a PDF with photos and descriptions of all the pregnancy poses. Students find this "cheat sheet" very helpful, especially when dealing with "pregnancy brain!" If you want some extra personalized guidance, email us to book a private lesson via Zoom, with HHY Founder and Lead Instructor Kay!
Can I practice on my own at home?
Pregnancy Yoga can absolutely be practiced at home. With or without added heat, you need to always remember to be gentle in your practice during pregnancy, rest as needed and not push too hard. You can find on-demand classes in our online "studio" here-- including Pregnancy Yoga classes.
Pregnant? Email us to schedule a FREE (phone) consultation with Kay.
For more about the postures we teach for prenatal practice, visit Rajashree.com. For additional tips, check out this blog post from Kay, who practiced 5-6 days a week throughout both her pregnancies.
Your body and your baby are changing and growing daily, so of course your yoga practice will be very different daily too. Physical balance may be more of a challenge, you will enjoy some added flexibility, you might tire more easily, etc. Every lady, and every pregnancy, is unique! In general it is immensely healthy for your body to sweat and for your muscles to stretch and relax. Especially during pregnancy, it is important to listen to your body's (and your baby's) messages and rest whenever and however much you need to.
Ok, I'm convinced! How do I start?
Join here for access to all our online classes including Pregnancy Yoga. We highly recommend you purchase Rajashree's book for a more detailed look at the benefits and special modifications. When you join you will also be able to download a PDF with photos and descriptions of all the pregnancy poses. Students find this "cheat sheet" very helpful, especially when dealing with "pregnancy brain!" If you want some extra personalized guidance, email us to book a private lesson via Zoom, with HHY Founder and Lead Instructor Kay!
Can I practice on my own at home?
Pregnancy Yoga can absolutely be practiced at home. With or without added heat, you need to always remember to be gentle in your practice during pregnancy, rest as needed and not push too hard. You can find on-demand classes in our online "studio" here-- including Pregnancy Yoga classes.
Pregnant? Email us to schedule a FREE (phone) consultation with Kay.
For more about the postures we teach for prenatal practice, visit Rajashree.com. For additional tips, check out this blog post from Kay, who practiced 5-6 days a week throughout both her pregnancies.
Learn more:
Hear an interview with Kay in "Episode 21: All About Prenatal Yoga" on The Homebirth Midwife Podcast
Always consult your medical provider before beginning a new exercise regimen. If your pregnancy is high risk or you have any complications, please especially follow your medical provider's advice.
