Yoga for Pregnancy Edinburgh
TIDAL YOGA
We will be running three classes of yoga for Pregnancy, Edinburgh. Our yoga for pregnancy classes will take place on Fridays from 12-12:45 and Saturdays from 9:30-10:30 (Prenatal Pregnancy with Alex). For those a little further along, Alex will be taking a Restorative class with breathing and birth preparation on Fridays at 1:15-2pm. Hopefully one will fit in with your schedule and commitments.
Our Yoga for Pregnancy Classes
TIDAL YOGA
Pregnancy is a time when women experience profound physical and emotional changes. As your body adapts to support new life, you may experience everything from back pain and fatigue to anxiety and stress. Many people find that antenatal yoga is a gentle yet effective way to stay active, build strength, and maintain a sense of balance and well-being throughout pregnancy.
Yoga for Pregnancy Classes at Tidal Yoga
Class Schedule: Our pregnancy yoga classes run on Fridays and Saturdays late mornings and lunchtimes.
Instructor: Alexandra Black is a certified prenatal and postnatal yoga instructor who will guide you through safe and supportive yoga practices. Her classes focus on creating a nurturing environment where every woman feels comfortable and empowered. Alexandra qualified to teach pre and post natal yoga with the Sally Parkes Yoga School who are fully certified by the Yoga Alliance. Alexandra has had three children herself and each birth was a very different experience which has helped inform her guidance.
What to bring: Wear loose, comfortable clothing with a layer that you can take off or put on so you are at a comfortable temperature. You are welcome to bring your own mat or equipment but all the equipment you need will be provided.
What to Wear to our Yoga for Pregnancy Classes
Wearing the right clothing can make a big difference in your comfort during antenatal yoga. Here’s what to consider when choosing your yoga gear:
Comfortable, breathable clothing: Choose soft, stretchy fabrics that allow you to move freely. Maternity leggings or yoga pants with a supportive waistband are a great option, along with a loose-fitting top that won’t restrict your belly.
Supportive sports bra: As your body changes during pregnancy, you may need extra support for your growing breasts. A comfortable, well-fitting sports bra will help you feel more secure during your practice.
Barefoot or yoga socks: Most yoga is practised barefoot to help with balance and stability. However, if you prefer to wear socks, look for yoga socks with non-slip grips on the bottom.
Connecting with Others in the Same Life Stage
YOGA FOR PREGNANCY EDINBURGH
One of the best things about joining a yoga for pregnancy class is the opportunity to connect with other expectant mothers. Sharing your pregnancy journey with others who are going through the same can provide emotional support, encouragement, and a sense of community that is invaluable during such a transformative time. Many women find that attending antenatal yoga classes not only helps them feel physically stronger but also creates a supportive network of friends who understand the highs and lows of pregnancy.
We want our antenatal yoga classes to have a warm and calm atmosphere where everyone feels comfortable and welcome. Our antenatal yoga classes are designed to be inclusive and full of positive energy. We want everyone to feel welcome, supported and part of the community. Whether you’re attending yoga to relax, stretch, or simply meet others in the same life stage, you’ll find that our studio fosters connections, helping you feel supported throughout your pregnancy.
The Benefits of Yoga for Pregnancy
ANTENATAL YOGA EDINBURGH
Antenatal yoga (or yoga for pregnancy) is widely recognised as beneficial during pregnancy. The practice focuses on gentle movements, breathing techniques, and relaxation, all of which can help you feel more connected to your body as it changes. Here are some key benefits of antenatal yoga:
Helps to Relieve Aches and Pains
During pregnancy, the body goes through a range of physical changes, such as the growing belly and shifts in posture, that can lead to back pain, hip discomfort, and even sciatica. Antenatal yoga focuses on gentle stretching and strengthening, particularly in areas like the lower back, hips, and pelvic floor, to help alleviate some of the common discomforts of pregnancy.
Improves Flexibility and Strength
As your body changes and your baby grows, maintaining flexibility and strength becomes increasingly important. Antenatal yoga strengthens the muscles you’ll use during labour and delivery, particularly in the pelvic floor, back, and legs. At the same time, it helps you stay flexible, which can improve your comfort and mobility as your pregnancy progresses.
Encourages Better Posture
As your centre of gravity shifts during pregnancy, it’s common to experience changes in posture that can lead to back pain or discomfort. Antenatal yoga helps you become more mindful of your posture, encouraging better alignment that reduces strain on your back and shoulders.
Promotes Relaxation and Reduces Stress
The physical demands of pregnancy can often lead to emotional stress or anxiety, especially as you prepare for labour and childbirth. Antenatal yoga incorporates mindfulness, deep breathing techniques, and relaxation exercises, helping you to manage stress, reduce anxiety, and create a sense of calm. Many people find that the breathing techniques they learned in antenatal yoga were invaluable during their labour and helped them to stay focused and relaxed.
Improves Circulation and Reduces Swelling
Swelling, especially in the feet and legs is a common problem during pregnancy due to the increased blood volume and fluid retention in the body. Gentle yoga poses that focus on movement and stretching can improve circulation, helping to reduce swelling and prevent varicose veins.
Promotes Emotional Connection with Your Baby
Antenatal yoga provides a quiet, focused space where you can tune in to your body and connect with your growing baby. Through mindfulness and breathwork, you can cultivate a deeper emotional bond with your baby, creating moments of calm and reflection amidst the busyness of daily life.
Yoga For Pregnancy Can Help Prepare You for Labour
Many of the breathing and relaxation techniques practised in yoga for pregnancy classes are directly applicable during labour. Learning how to focus on your breath, relax your body, and stay centred during discomfort can be incredibly useful during childbirth.
Many of the breathing and relaxation techniques practised in yoga for pregnancy classes are directly applicable during labour. Learning how to focus on your breath, relax your body, and stay centred during discomfort can be incredibly useful during childbirth.
During your yoga class you will learn to focus on your breathing, which helps you stay calm and centred even in moments of physical discomfort. These breathing techniques can be invaluable during labour, as controlled breathing can help manage pain, reduce anxiety, and promote relaxation between contractions. By practising different types of breathwork, such as diaphragmatic breathing or rhythmic breathing, antenatal yoga equips you with tools to maintain focus, conserve energy, and create a more positive birthing experience. Some poses in our yoga for pregnancy classes also help to open the hips and pelvis, preparing your body for labour and delivery.
We all have a birth plan and an idea of the kind of birth we hope for but sometimes things can change and you need to take a different tack. Maintaining the breathing you have grown familiar with during your yoga sessions will help you keep focused and calm so you can feel confident about any decisions you make during labour.
Fear or anxiety as you get closer to the birth of your baby
It is normal to feel anxious about giving birth, even if you have already done so without any problems. Sometimes people experience anxiety because they have previously had a negative experience. Or they may be about to become a parent for the first time and have heard other people’s horror stories or “helpful” advice.
Whatever your circumstances, practising yoga as you approach the birth can help you manage your fears and anxiety. Tidal Yoga for Pregnancy classes include a focus on the birth experience to help manage the fears and anxieties people may have in the third trimester.
What to Consider Before Starting Antenatal Yoga
YOGA FOR PREGNANCY EDINBURGH
Before starting an antenatal yoga class, there are a few key considerations to keep in mind to ensure you have a safe and enjoyable yoga for pregnancy practice:
Consult Your GP or midwife
Before beginning any new form of exercise, including yoga, it’s important to check with your doctor or midwife to make sure it’s safe for you and your pregnancy. This is particularly important if you have any underlying health conditions, or if your pregnancy is considered high-risk. Please read our guidance before signing up to a class.
Choose the Right Class
Look for classes that are specifically designed for pregnancy or antenatal yoga. It is important that classes are led by teachers who are trained in antenatal yoga and therefore understand the unique needs of expectant mothers whilst practising. This will ensure you’re practising yoga safely and comfortably.
Listen to Your Body
Pregnancy is a time to be gentle with yourself and to honour your body’s needs. Some days you may feel full of energy, while other days you may feel more fatigued or uncomfortable. Listen to your body, and don’t push yourself beyond your limits. If a pose feels uncomfortable or causes pain, stop and adjust.
Stay Hydrated
Pregnancy increases your body’s need for hydration, especially during exercise. Drink plenty of water before, during, and after your yoga class to stay hydrated. Feel free to take a break during the class if you need a loo break!
Yoga For Pregnancy Edinburgh
TIDAL YOGA
Antenatal yoga is a wonderful way to stay active, relieve stress and stay active during pregnancy. Whether you’re a beginner or have previously practiced yoga, our antenatal yoga classes offer a safe, supportive environment where you can focus on your well-being and prepare for the journey ahead. From gentle stretching to mindful breathing, the benefits of antenatal yoga extend far beyond the mat, supporting both your physical and emotional health during this special time.
Tidal Yoga invites you to join us and discover the many benefits of yoga for pregnancy, while enjoying a nurturing, welcoming environment. You’ll not only experience the physical and mental benefits of yoga but also have the chance to connect with a community of mothers going through the same beautiful journey.
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