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Yoga Practices for Pregnancy / Prenatal Students

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Adaptation

Overview

In this lesson, we present safety guidelines and practice suggestions for teaching prenatal students across all three trimesters.

Objective

Become familiar with modifications, contraindications, and supportive practices for pregnant students in yoga classes.

What You'll Get

You'll learn what's safe and what's not for each stage of pregnancy, from avoiding breath retention and overheating to modifying supine poses and offering hands-and-knees alternatives. You'll also discover how standing poses, chest openers, hip stretches, and pelvic floor work can support comfort and preparation for birth. Whether you're teaching a mixed-level class with one pregnant student or leading a prenatal series, you'll walk away with clear, practical guidance that keeps students safe while honoring the profound changes happening in their bodies.

Questions Answered Here

Describe safety suggestions for all pregnant students, and suggestions for each trimester.
What purpose can standing poses serve?
What are some sample standing poses that pregnant students might practice?
How can chest openers and hip stretches help pregnant students?
What are some sample chest and hip stretches for pregnant students?
Many hip stretches are practiced supine. How must these poses be modified for pregnant students?
How can releasing tension in the psoas bring more ease to the body?
What are the common objectives related to the pelvic floor?
What can support deep relaxation for students?

Safety Suggestions

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