Pregnancy Yoga and Pilates

Many pregnant women come to Yoga and Pilates during pregnancy to keep themselves healthy, strong and flexible. It also helps them to prepare for the birth of a healthy baby.

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Some personal experiences:

During my third and final pregnancy I continued to undertake yoga classes with Mel. From the very early stages of my pregnancy until the very late stages, Mel was absolutely fabulous in accommodating the ever changing needs and abilities of a pregnant woman. I was able to continue in the group classes the entire time, with simple adaptations or alternative poses and movements on advice from Mel. I found that yoga during pregnancy was extremely beneficial in several ways…physically by keeping the core as strong as possible, maintaining flexibility and strength and learning to take care of the muscles as their elasticity increased, to reduce pain and stress on the body. Emotionally I felt I had ‘me’ time and that Mel enabled me to enjoy staying connected with myself, develop a better awareness of my body and to stimulate a positive bond with my growing baby. I could still do ’the bird’ pose at a very late stage in my pregnancy! I would definitely recommend any pregnant person to do yoga with Mel. Thanks!

Rebecca Lawford Hong Kong:

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I regularly went to Mel's yoga classes before and during my pregnancy and completely credit them for my pain free pregnancy, fast delivery and quick recovery. The back, hip and core work during the group classes and more pregnancy specific work during private classes were perfect.

Jodi Jenkins Gold Coast

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Start doing Yoga and Pilates classes if you are planning to become pregnant. Many women, after finding out that they are pregnant, want to start straight away. It is always advisable to wait until the 2nd trimester if you have not

done this kind of exercise before. If however you have been practicing these classes before conception, it is safe to continue all through first trimester too.

Exercise can help you to feel better and less fatigued and nauseous. Connecting with baby and having time for self care is so important at this time.

Here are some poses that are wonderful for most pregnancies:

Side Angle Stretch. It creates strength in the legs and a great stretch in the side waist.

Wide Squat: Opens pelvic area, creates space for baby, creates strong legs and flexible inner thighs. Also tones pelvic floor.

Warrior Pose: Keeps both arms and legs strong while focusing the mind and helping to create a good body mind connection

Thanks to our wonderful photographer, Joan, and to Sophie for being a beautiful model.