Pregnancy requires women to tune into their body as it prepares to bring new life into the world. Suitable for those new to yoga or existing yoga students, classes will focus on appropriate postures for each trimester with modifications to suit your body whilst building stamina and strength. Breath awareness is at the heart of yoga and is an invaluable tool for coping with the changes in pregnancy, labour, birth and beyond. Let your breath be your guide throughout your practice. Practising yoga gives you greater body awareness so that you understand there is no need to force the body into postures or hold the breath. Yoga means union and during pregnancy the union of mother and child is formed.

• Pregnancy yoga gives you the opportunity to nurture the bond between you and your unborn baby.

• Breathing techniques for pregnancy, labour, birth and beyond.

• Reduces fatigue through deep relaxation.

• Builds strength and stamina through carefully chosen postures to support your changing body.

• Can help reduce minor pregnancy related ailments i.e low back ache, oedema, breathlessness, insomnia.

When can you attend classes?

The general guidelines are from 16wks as the placenta will be fully functioning by then and the feeling of nausea and tiredness subside for most women. If you have never done yoga and don't take regular exercise wait until 16wks before joining class. Prior to 16wks simple breathing techniques and lots of relaxation are a good foundation to prepare yourself mentally for the changes ahead. Up till then a lot of women will either be tired, suffer from morning sickness or generally not feel like being very active. For those with an existing yoga practice who would like to join between 12-16wks please contact me. If you have a history of miscarriage, pranayama and mudras will be particularly beneficial to you in helping relieve anxiety. Your body is going through an amazing transformation during the first trimester, so take things easy and conserve your energy.

The option of using drop-in will be available from 36wks onwards, please ensure you contact me first to ensure there is a space. Drop-ins will be charged at £6.00 for Sunday class and £5.00 for Monday night. Should you go into labour before finishing a block of classes you will be refunded the difference.

What to bring to class

Mats (you can bring your own), blocks, birthing balls (city quay class only) and bolsters will be provided. You just need to bring yourself, a blanket for relaxation and a small bottle of water. For the Methodist Church class we will have mats, bolsters, chairs and a couple of birthing balls at our disposal.

What to wear

Wear something comfortable that will allow you to move easily, t-shirt and joggers are fine. We practice in bare feet.

Should I eat before class

Normally you wouldn't eat prior to yoga but pregnancy is an exception. If you need to eat regularly have a banana or some biscuits (not the whole packet!) half an hour before class.

What will we do during class