What to pregnant ladies can expect in a Aqua Yoga class
Pregnancy & Postnatal
Being in water whilst pregnant offers a sense of calmness and relaxation. The water supports the mother’s body and her growing baby enabling stretching and exercise in ways that cannot be achieved on land. Classes are excellent for swimmers and non-swimmers alike and especially those suffering from pelvic pain, backache and SPD.
For pregnant women in particular, pelvic movements and pelvic floor exercises in water using yoga principles create elasticity for childbirth and greatly facilitate the return to healthy pelvic floor tone afterwards.
Yoga: movements in water:
Simple, classic yoga poses are adapted to the water making exercise enjoyable for all pregnant women, particularly if they are suffering from backache or pelvic pain, or if they are overweight. Bodies feel virtually weightless in water enabling deep stretching. Spinal alignment and exercise to open the hips and pelvis are a welcome part of each session.
Breathing exercises:
Deeper, more expansive breathing has many benefits for the mother and baby, and is of great importance through all stages of pregnancy, labour and birth. With practice, all the muscles of the pelvis become involved in full breathing, which provides a powerful tool in labour.
Relaxation:
Aqua Yoga brings a sense of deep relaxation. Floating in water offers a unique experience of unity, as the baby is suspended in water (amniotic fluid) inside the mother, so the mother can share this experience of hanging in water and connection with the baby.
Preparing for birth:
Using the water as a medium to explore and expel fears attached to labour. Explore positions for labour, how to open the hips and pelvis allowing optimal space for the baby, prepare for delivery and birthing the baby.
Group work:
To offer and receive support, and get to know the other expectant mothers in the group
Swimming:
Swimming is the best form of exercise available to pregnant women. Learn the correct adaptations of classic swimming strokes to accommodate the growing baby and support the pelvis and changes in the body.
