Whether your first trimester felt like riding a never ending hormonal rollercoaster, or cruising a peaceful sea, you may now be looking into ways of staying healthy, alleviating discomfort, and preparing your body for birth
Pregnancy yoga is a gentle and nurturing practice tailored to the needs of pregnant mamas which has emerged as a popular activity. It's one that I personally recommend in the Poppy & Jack Birth Preparation Courses for its many benefits.
In this blog, we'll explore the benefits of pregnancy yoga classes for expectant mamas. You'll also find a guide to Pregnancy Yoga classes in Bristol.
Benefits of Pregnancy Yoga
Physical Comfort:
As the body undergoes many changes during pregnancy, discomfort often becomes a
frustrating reality. Pregnancy yoga focuses on gentle stretches, poses, and movements that target common discomfort areas such as the lower back, hips, and shoulders. The practice also supports greater balance, flexibility, and a deeper connection with your changing body for a more comfortable and empowering second and third trimester experience.
Stress Reduction:
Pregnancy can bring about emotional and mental stress due to hormonal changes and
the anticipation of the responsibilities that come with parenthood. Pregnancy yoga often incorporates relaxation techniques and mindfulness practices that help reduce stress, promote emotional balance, and foster a positive outlook.
Pelvic Floor Strengthening:
Pelvic floor strength and control is essential during pregnancy, childbirth and for a faster postpartum recovery. Pregnancy yoga classes often incorporate pelvic floor exercises where you learn to strengthen and release with control. This should also help improving your own Pelvic Floor Strengthening routine at home.
Improved Circulation:
Pregnancy yoga includes poses that encourage healthy blood circulation. Proper
circulation is crucial for both the mother and the developing baby, helping to deliver
oxygen and nutrients effectively.
Preparation for Birth:
Focused breathing exercises, a cornerstone of pregnancy yoga, help expectant mamas to prepare for labour by managing discomfort, staying calm, relaxed, and present. Pregnancy yoga classes often include the practice of active labour positions that support the physiological process of birth. The breathwork and biomechanical aspects of pregnancy yoga can truly be invaluable for a more positive and empowering birth experience.
Meet your Mama Community:
Pregnancy yoga classes are a lovely way to meet your local Mama tribe. In the next section of this post you'll find some great local classes in Bristol, to help you finding yours.
Your Guide to Pregnancy Yoga Classes in Bristol
Teacher | Where | When | More information & bookings |
Thea Abbot (Lushtums) | St Werburghs Community Centre | BS2 | Saturdays at 10:15 | |
Mary Flynn (The Yogi Midwife) & Jen Best | Trika Yoga | BS3 | Saturdays at 10:30 & Sundays at 11:45 | |
Jessica Wolff | Wild Box | BS3 | Wednesdays at 17:30 | |
Suzi Griffin (Purely Pregnant) | The Southville Centre | BS3 | Wednesdays at 18:15 | |
Thea Abbot (Lushtums) | The Langton | BS4 | Tuesdays at 18:30 | |
Thea Abbot (Lushtums) | Totterdown Baptist Church | BS4 | Thursdays at 19:15 | |
Harriet (Breathing Space Yoga) | St George Community Centre | BS5 | Mondays at 18:00 or 19:30 | |
Jess Van Delft (Purely Pregnant) | The Beehive Centre | BS5 | Tuesdays at 18:00 or 19:30 | |
Kate Bulman (Lushtums) | The Alma Physio Practice | BS6 | Mondays at 18:30 | |
Kate Bulman (Lushtums) | Horfield Methodist Church | BS7 | Wednesdays at 18:30 | |
Charlie Musgrove (Purely Pregnant) | Yogafurie | BS7 | Mondays at 18:30 | |
Kim Mousley (Lushtums) | Hanham Community Centre | BS15 | Tuesdays at 18:30 | |
Clair McGill (Lushtums) | Lincombe Barn | BS16 | Thursdays at 19:30 | |
Marinella Benelli (Earth Moon Mala) | Private classes in Bristol | | |
Natasha Kembrey (Yoga by Natasha) | Private classes in Bristol | |