You’ve just found out your pregnant, and are excited to get started in mommy mode. But once you begin the search for a prenatal yoga or maternity yoga class, you start to notice that many of the “requirements” for a prenatal yoga class include being in your second or third trimester. What gives?
I’ve gotten this question alot recently (must be all those cold winter days). The first thing to note is that for Om for Mom prenatal yoga classes are safe and effective for all trimesters. So, why do other classes exclude the newest mom-to-bes? In short, because you could technically continue or start a gentle yoga class (look for terms like hatha and restorative–nothing “power” or heated) in your first trimester, and transition over to prenatal yoga as your belly grows. Some classes also give the stipulation because the first trimester can be marked with fatigue and nausea, and because miscarriages are most common in the early weeks of pregnancy. (Not that prenatal yoga causes them, but it may make the loss even more painful when you’ve mentally started preparing for baby in your exercise routine).
All prenatal yoga programs are designed with a few goals in mind: creating space in the body through the use of poses that are safe for mom and baby, and learning to breathe in a way to promotes mental and psychological relaxation. However, prenatal yoga teachers vary widely in how much focus they spend on each, and the level of physical “effort” required. In short,you may not realize all the benefits of a prenatal yoga class too early on–because you simply haven’t had the experience of the added weight and body changes that pregnancy brings.
Om for Mom prenatal yoga is geared towards all trimesters because it is uniquely based on a gentle, slow vinyasa flow method, where breath, movement and mind are linked. Om for Mom prenatal yoga routines are designed to open the hips and heart, relieve pains, reduce swelling through certain compression-based asanas (poses), and build strength: in the pelvic floor, lower body, back and upper body. We also throw in a little balance work (at the wall), too. In short, Om for Mom provides the opportunity to modify your difficulty level, so you’ll never be bored, or feel unchallenged. Whether you’re new to yoga, or a current yogi with no idea how to modify your practice, it’s also a safe haven to experiment with new methods and modifications that work with your new body. I guarantee that you will never leave Om for Mom prenatal yoga feeling like you did “nothing” (which I will admit, I felt a time or two during my own pregnancy). And on those days where you just want to relax, child’s pose is always a welcome option. Take the rest you need!
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