Becoming a Pregnant Yogi

Calli De La Haye - 5 Mar 16

I’ve practiced Yoga for a long time, since I was 16, and I’ve taught Yoga for five years, but Pregnancy, well that’s new.

Now I’m 30 and still learning about myself through Yoga every day.

Let’s start by noting that everybody is different, and every pregnancy is different, of course.

The number one factor remains the same, pregnant or not, when practicing yoga we must learn to listen to our body, if it says stop, STOP, equally, if it says you can go a little further, be honest, you can probably go a little further.

After the joy of finding out I was pregnant, I quickly wondered how much pregnancy would change my yoga practice, my answer came quickly, my practice almost stopped in the early weeks as I felt exhausted and nauseous most days and struggled to find the energy to get out of bed, never mind practice. I desperately missed practicing so one day I thought ‘stuff this!’ and I took to the mat. I sat and found stillness, this was the most comforting way to be, STILL, I focused on my breath for some time and begun to feel calm and relaxed (and not so sick), I began with some gentle pelvic floor movements, I slowly moved through some basic seated postures, keeping warm and comfortable, then finished once again sitting in meditation for a few minutes, this was what I needed, a little me time, but nothing too challenging.

Some days I had to rest, asana practice wasn’t an option, meditation quickly became my sanctuary. Each time I took to the mat I began with meditation, taking my time and when I could, I added some postures and some pranayama (breathing exercises), just doing what I could that day. Practice is practice, no matter what form. I felt better and better as I stuck to my practice and I could re-introduce more postures each day.

Towards the end of the first trimester and now in the early second trimester, I feel I can practice most postures (probably as I’m not feeling nauseous anymore – wahoo!), taking into consideration those I should avoid of course, but oh how things have changed. Balancing takes a lot more focus than before, being upside down doesn’t feel quite right (and is much harder) and my hips go from feeling super open to super tight overnight! I’m so glad to be back to daily practice, for now at least.

During the first trimester, I don’t recommend starting a full yoga practice if you haven’t practiced yoga before, it’s probably not the best time to go to a class for the first time, unless it’s specifically tailored for pregnancy. If you’re keen to start yoga and can’t wait until your second trimester, try some gentle poses including pelvic floor movements and meditation to get started.

If you have a regular practice before becoming pregnant, you should be able to continue your practice during your first trimester, just pay particular attention to your body as you practice and avoid any poses that put pressure on your belly (like bow pose) or poses that stretch your belly (deep back bends)

Practicing Yoga in your second trimester is the perfect time to try out a Pregnancy Yoga class, these pre-natal classes will ensure that you remain safe as you enjoy practicing yoga.

Here are some tips to help you practice safely:

• Do not lay on your back (after 16 weeks)
• Do not lie on your stomach
• Do not practice deep back bends
• Do not practice deep twists (keep your belly and torso open when twisting)
• Do not restrict or compress your belly
• Open your legs when practicing forward bends
• Do not practice inversions (poses that take you upside down) unless you have a very regular practice (downward dog is okay)

Yoga is a great way to keep strong, flexible and relaxed during pregnancy, it’s also a time for you to bond with baby and enjoy some ‘me time’.

I practice yoga as it brings me freedom, yoga allows me the time to be peaceful and calm. It’s important to me that yoga practice remains a central part of my life throughout pregnancy and when baby DLH arrives.

Calli De La Haye

Calli De La Haye, Founder of Kalimukti Yoga and Mum-to-be. Freedom seeker and passionate Yogi, I run a local Yoga Studio at home in Jersey (Channel Islands) and offer online yoga classes. I teach hatha, pre-natal, post-natal and children's yoga classes for all ages. Empowering you to find Freedom through Yoga.

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