I owe my whole hypnobirthing journey (and career as a hypnotherapist) to pregnancy yoga classes! I went along to a wonderful pregnancy yoga class run by Judy Cameron at Queen’s Cross Church, and it opened up my eyes to so many different things, but the main one was the mind body connection and how important it is in pregnancy and birth.
Pregnancy is an exciting time, but it can also be a time of physical and emotional changes. As your body grows and changes, it’s important to take care of yourself and your baby. One way to do this is through practicing yoga. Pregnancy yoga is a gentle and safe form of exercise that can have many benefits. Here are some of the benefits of pregnancy yoga:
- Reduces stress and anxiety: Pregnancy can be a stressful time, and yoga can help to reduce stress and anxiety. Practising yoga can help to calm your mind and improve your overall sense of well-being. It can also help to reduce symptoms of depression and improve your mood.
- Improves flexibility and strength: As your body changes during pregnancy, it’s important to maintain flexibility and strength. Yoga can help you to stretch and strengthen your muscles in a safe and gentle way. It’s really important that you have a teacher that’s able to adapt things so you can do them safely. This can help to prevent back pain, improve posture, and prepare your body for labour and delivery.
- Helps with breathing and relaxation: One of the key elements of yoga is the focus on breathing and relaxation. This can be especially helpful during pregnancy, as deep breathing can help to reduce stress and anxiety, as well as improve circulation and oxygenation to your baby.
- Connects you with your baby: Yoga can be a great way to connect with your baby and promote a sense of bonding. Many yoga poses are designed to help you tune into your body and your baby, and can be a great way to create a peaceful and calming environment for you and your baby. This was one of the few ways I found I felt connected to my baby, I always struggled to visualise them or imagine holding them, but during movements in yoga and having that quiet time, I did feel connected.
- Prepares you for labour and delivery: Practicing yoga during pregnancy can help you to prepare for labour and delivery. Many yoga poses are designed to help you open up your hips and pelvis, which can be helpful during delivery. Yoga can also help you to develop mindfulness and relaxation techniques, which can be useful during labour. This makes it a great partner for hypnobirthing.
- Promotes better sleep: Many struggle with sleep, especially in the later stages of pregnancy. Yoga can help to promote better sleep by reducing stress and anxiety, improving circulation, and helping you to relax and unwind.
In conclusion, pregnancy yoga can have many benefits! From reducing stress and anxiety, to improving flexibility and strength, to promoting better sleep and preparing you for labour and delivery, yoga can be a great way to take care of yourself and your baby during this special time. If you’re pregnant, consider trying out a prenatal yoga class and see how it can benefit you and your baby.
Where are there pregnancy yoga class in Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire?
Well I’m glad you asked! Here are classes that run locally that have been recommended by our clients:
Mother Chakra, Louise – Louise runs classes in Aberdeenshire and comes highly recommended from many of our Aberdeenshire clients.
Breathe Mama Yoga, Penelope Peacock – Penelope is a wonderful yoga teacher and has such a wonderful calm presence, she runs yoga classes in Banchory
The Yoga Spot – Runs pregnancy yoga classes in Aberdeen on Sunday mornings.