Yoga for pregnancy is a weekly class that offers a combination of a normal antenatal class and a yoga class. They are open to all women, regardless of whether it is the first, second, third or fourth baby and can be enjoyed from 12 weeks onwards.

Each class incorporates the following elements:
•A sequence of gentle yoga postures
•Birth preparation - breathing techniques, positions for labour and relaxation
•Time to discuss various topics relevant to pregnancy and birth with other expectant mums

What do I bring?
You will need to bring a yoga mat (or flexible exercise mat), a pillow or two and a blanket for relaxation. Always come wearing clothes in which you can exercise comfortably.
The benefits of yoga for pregnancy and birth
Yoga is an ideal form of exercise throughout pregnancy. The postures will gently strengthen, stretch and relax the body, helping it cope with the ever-changing physical and emotional demands of pregnancy, whilst at the same time preparing it for labour. Some of the benefits are listed below:
•Improved quality of sleep
•Reduced back ache and relief from other pregnancy discomforts (e.g. fluid retention)
•Strengthened joints and muscles
•Increased flexibility
•Increased blood circulation
•Improved posture and body awareness
•Strengthened abdominal and pelvic muscles

NCT yoga for pregnancy is suitable for women of all fitness levels and can be enjoyed by those who have had no previous experience of yoga.

Birth preparation - breathing techniques, positions and relaxation

Each class will incorporate relaxation and breathing techniques for use in pregnancy, during labour and after the birth. It will allow time to explore different positions for labour and practise them with the breathing and relaxation techniques. These classes aspire women to have a natural birth for their baby but are also helpful for those who are having a caesarean birth.

Topics for discussion
The classes are run in an Active Birth format, with different topics covered each week. Obviously exercise, breathing, relaxation, positions for labour and care of the pelvic floor are paramount, but other topics included are optimal foetal positioning, birth environment, perineal care, postnatal recovery, breastfeeding, life with a baby and more. A few weeks after giving birth, each mother is encouraged to come back to the class to tell her labour story.

To sum up…

The aim of NCT yoga for pregnancy is for women to have an enjoyable and relaxing time, improve their physical and emotional well-being and increase their chance of a positive birth experience. For first time mothers there will be lots of practical tips, an opportunity to meet others and ask questions. For those who are already mothers, the class is a time to relax, concentrate on the new baby and think about your wishes for this birth. Like all our NCT classes refreshments are included, allowing time to really get to know each other and form friendships.

What previous clients have said about the classes

“The classes were really useful for the breathing techniques and also the relaxation. It was also a good way to meet some new people,” Nyree (1st pregnancy)

“All the oxytocin inducing tips and yoga breathing exercises/positions we learnt in class were invaluable throughout the labour.” Laura (1st pregnancy)

“I am not sure if I mentioned how amazed the midwives were that I managed for so long with just the breathing techniques.” Anna (3rd pregnancy)
Interested?

If you are interested in the NCT Yoga for Pregnancy classes and would like to find out more or how to book then please look under courses on the website www.nct.org.uk , phone or contact our Parent Services Administrator on 08442436889/bookings5n@nct.org.uk or alternatively contact our yoga for pregnancy teacher, Sarah, directly at sarahlouiseoxley@yahoo.co.uk

Please note: NCT Yoga for Pregnancy teachers will have undergone three years of training as an antenatal teacher plus a further year of yoga training. As a result you can feel confident that not only will the exercises be designed to be safe for pregnant women, but your teacher will understand many of the physical discomforts which can come with pregnancy – backache, heartburn etc and will be able to show you which postures to avoid and which might help.