Prenatal Yoga: benefits of starting early

It’s common for women to start attending Prenatal Yoga from around 30 weeks pregnant. It’s never too late to start moving, but I definitely encourage women to start earlier if possible – here’s why…

HABIT FORMING

On average, it takes 66 days for a new behavior to become automatic. (Lally et al, 2009) With this in mind, for women to fully integrate specific movement and breath practices during labour, birth and motherhood, an opportunity to practice and familiarise herself with specific techniques can help to empower her to try different ways of moving and breathing when met with intense sensation/situations.

SUPPORTING A SHIFT INWARD

During labour and birth, having an ability to switch off the neocortex (the thinking part of the brain) sooner, allows women to focus on working with intense sensation, birthing their baby, and/or their body’s needs. This is powerful when allowing labour to progress and unfold with less interruption, helping women to feel more focused within, comfortable and safe. Starting prenatal yoga early (anytime from 10+weeks) provides women with time and space to familiarise themselves with movement and breath practices that enables them to move from the external world to the internal more swiftly.

PRACTICE WITH SUPPORT

Some techniques may be unfamiliar and require time and practice to become second nature. It’s reassuring to have the guidance of a prenatal teacher to practice techniques which women wouldn’t necessarily do if they practice alone. There is always scope for women to choose to focus on shapes and techniques that meet their needs and preferences. I like to mention how certain shapes and breath practices can support women during different stages of their motherhood journey so they feel confident and armed with techniques that can be utilised at any stage.

What shape or breath practice has supported you on your motherhood journey?

You can practice with us at Kundalini House on the following times:
MONDAY 11:00am-12:15pm with Cindy
SATURDAY 11:45am-1:00pm with Julia

Book via our website here.