Yoga benefits in pregnancy

Gentle sport and activity during pregnancy has many benefits for you, your body and even the baby. Yoga is a brilliant way as it is gentle and can be very relaxing. Research actually shows that it can help with anxiety and stress, and you might have a shorter labour. Meditations and breathwork are an essential part of pregnancy yoga, which helps during labour and stressful times with newborns and even toddlers.

If you are new to yoga, look for a special pregnancy class with a teacher who is trained and specialised in pre- and postnatal yoga. If you have done yoga before, you can carry on with your regular schedule, but make sure to tell your instructor that she/he can help you adjust some of the poses.

Tri-Yoga

Tri-Yoga is an outstanding yoga studio for pre-and postnatal yoga classes.

The classes are usually booked out, so booking early is wise.

Tri-Yoga has locations in Chelsea, Ealing, Camden and Shoreditch.

They offer Pilates, yoga, other treatments, and teacher training.

What I love the most is that they also offer yoga classes for kids and teens.

It's a wonderful family-focused company that is a safe space and place to work out.

The Life Centre

The Life Centre in Notting Hill is a lovely local yoga studio that offers yoga, pilates and mindfulness classes.

This was my go-to place during my first and second pregnancies and afterwards, as a space to work out, enjoy baby classes, and meet like-minded mothers.

They offer online classes and have an app.

Classes are relaxed and holistic. The baby yoga classes are always super busy and I recommend arriving a tad early to park the buggy and find a good spot.

Active Birth Centre

Pregnancy Yoga in North London taught by Janet Balaskas and Lynn Murphy.

The Active Birth Centre offers pregnancy, classes for couples, as well as postnatal yoga classes. According to their website, all classes are midwife and doctor approved, and the preparation for birth is through breathwork, softening the body, and connecting to your 'instinctual knowing'. Online reviews are raving, and I have only heard good things about the studio.

Yoga with Laura

Laura is a highly qualified Yoga teacher in Hampstead, North London. The studio basement 13 heath street looks heavenly and is in Hampstead Village. Laura is a mother herself and looks like your caring friend, who you call for midnight advice. She offers pre and postnatal yoga sessions and prenatal partner birth prep yoga &massage workshops.