The Research

An ever-increasing body of research is demonstrating that Prenatal Yoga can be a wonderful support during pregnancy.

For example, a study in early 2024 showed that:

This means that people practising yoga are experiencing a greater capacity to handle significant stressors (such as birthing and making important decisions during pregnancy) than people who just go for walks.

Why is this? Because yoga is so much more than exercise!

In fact, a true yoga practice incorporates at least 8 different facets (limbs) including: reflection upon your values, introspection, postures, breathing or management of energy, withdrawing from distractions, mindfulness, meditation and being in joy/flow.

The Benefits

Without overwhelming you with research articles, we feel it’s more helpful to provide you with a summary of some ways in which Prenatal Yoga may support your pregnancy:

• Relaxation and stress management

• Fostering physical and mental stamina and strength

• Fostering connection with baby

• Improving flexibility and balance

• Toning of the birth muscles

• Improving circulation

• Improving posture (alleviating common back and hip discomforts)

• Balancing the body to encourage optimal position of baby for birthing

• Feeling empowered, prepared and confident for birth

• Techniques to mitigate and manage pain perception and sensation

• Understanding what your intuition is and how to connect to it

• Beginning to develop an understanding of your values as a parent

This is certainly not an exhaustive list, but hopefully is a helpful starting point in your consideration of whether Prenatal Yoga is a suitable investment of your time and energy during pregnancy.