Yoga

[melon]

I've always wanted to do yoga but could never afford classes... and I know that there are special ones for preggos, but cost is a factor...I just found a
yoga class i can attend for cheap (possibly free). I am 8 weeks pregnant, and very out of shape.
The instructor says i will be fine--it is a beginner class, and she's taught pregnant women before.
I went to the first class last night, and it didn't feel unsafe. I will, of course ask my Doc when I go, but that's not for a few weeks. I really enjoyed it, and it's a nice relaxing way to get out of the house and away from 1.5 yr old ds 2 nights a week.
Thanks!

[lillymonster]

I am taking prenatal yoga, but I would def ask your doctor, because I know most, if not all places I looked at said you need to be past the first trimester. I don't know if that is a true health issue or just something they prefer.

[~Amy~]

I first did yoga when I was pregnant with my son and have been taking classes ever since (so about 3 years now). I think teachers suggest that new students don't start until the second trimester just so you're mostly past the low energy/sickness stuff. Makes it easier on you, especially if you're learning new postures, etc. I'm 10.5 weeks right now and I'm finding classes tough just because by that time of the day (evening classes) I'm wiped and feeling gross usually. If the teacher has worked with pregnant students before, she's likely familiar with modifying postures as your pregnancy progresses. It's absolutely safe to do. There are postures that are not recommended, and your teacher will offer alternatives or modify those for you. My teacher takes a very conservative approach to postures in pregnancy (which I admit bothers me sometimes, especially as a more advanced student who is used to doing quite a few inversions and more complex postures). It is a great activity for pregnancy...hope you enjoy it!

[justduckyangie]

I did yoga with my last one and it was awesome. It helped so much with my back and just minor aches and pains. Plus it was nice to be able to just focus on me and the baby. I'm pateintly waiting for a prenatal one to start up, but nothing so far. I have a DVD, but it's just not the same.

[TheDivineMrsM]

I loved my prenatal yoga class. I was a runner before my BFP, but didn't have the energy to keep up with it during the first tri. I have a DVD, but like JustDucky said, it's not the same!

[Jena Baird]

I hope you can keep going to the yoga classes because it is such a great way to prepare your body for labor physically, mentally, & emotionally.  If money is a factor you can also ask teachers or studio owners if they offer a sliding scale. I teach own a studio and teach prenatal yoga and I have had a few requests over the years from women in finical need. I offered them a lower rate and I was happy to. Also another option is online yoga classes...I offer a prenatal yoga online plus labor preparedness course online which allows you to do yoga everyday if you want to, best to you. 

[Alicia Annesi]

I just got my yoga instructor certification and I can vouch for how good it is for expecting mothers. Good places to try for cheap, or even free, yoga classes is the YWCA.

[butterfly_mommy]

I did prenatal yoga starting in the second trimester with my DD and I was taking a regular yoga class when I got pregnant with my DS and finished off the classes and then did some prenatal classes. With this pregnancy I couldn't find a cheap/free prenatal class in my city and I did find a free regular class but the instructor had no experience with prenatal yoga. A new yoga studio for plus size people just opened up and a meet-up group was started with classes at an affordable price and the instructor has had prenatal yoga training so I will be going to my first class on Sat (I will be 31.5 wks but I figure better late then never :)

Also I think a lot of places don't recommend starting till after the first trimester because the odds of a loss are higher in the first tri and they don't want to be accused of being liable. However I personally do not think doing yoga in the first tri is harmful.