You’ve heard about the bajillion benefits of practicing yoga during pregnancy, maybe your doctor even recommended it to you to help you stay healthy and keep stress at bay. But also know that all pregnancies are different! So how to choose a prenatal yoga class that will work best for your individual needs? 

In this post, we’ll be talking about how to make sure you find the perfect prenatal yoga class for you. 

Plus, if you’re in the Charleston, SC area, I’d love to have you in my prenatal yoga class in North Charleston (just a short drive from Downtown Charleston, Mount Pleasant, and Summerville!).

Of course, I know that the location and time won’t be convenient for everyone, so I’m also including a list of some other great prenatal yoga class options in Charleston and surrounding areas at the bottom of this post. 

How to Choose a Prenatal Yoga Class

Find one that will work for your schedule and in a location that will be convenient for you. 

If it’s not convenient and super easy, you won’t go. And no matter what, going to yoga (even if it’s not a completely perfect fit for what you’re looking for) is better than not going at all. 

Plus, I can’t tell you how many times I’ve planned to go to a yoga class on the other side of town during rush hour, barely gotten there in time, had a drive in circles to find parking, and was SO stressed by the time I got there that it was really hard for me to relax and enjoy the class.

Is your goal to manage stress? Well, don’t make getting to a yoga class stressful.

(If there’s really not a good option that’s close to you at a good time, YouTube has some great free videos you can use. Seriously. Visit the Spoiled Yogi YouTube channel for new prenatal and postnatal yoga classes weekly… ish. #momlife)

See also The Complete Guide to Prenatal Yoga for Beginners

Make sure the prenatal yoga teacher has training specific to prenatal yoga and some experience working with pregnant moms.

Most yoga studios have a section on their website with yoga teacher bios. Check them out. If the teacher who’s leading the prenatal yoga class doesn’t mention pregnancy yoga trainings in their bio they may not be qualified to work with the individual needs of pregnant moms. 

Note that while being a mom can be a great asset to teaching yoga for moms, but experiencing a pregnancy oneself does not qualify someone to teach prenatal yoga. There’s much to know about how to modify postures safely, how to help moms dealing with pregnancy-related aches and pains, and so much more. You’ll want someone who is knowledgeable and has experience helping you.

Reach out to the prenatal yoga teacher to ask questions specific to the class. 

• Find out if the class is appropriate for how far along you are. Some studios do not allow pregnant moms in their first trimester, which others welcome moms at all stages of pregnancy. (See Yoga in the First Trimester: Is It Safe?) 
• Make sure that it meets your amount of yoga experience, level of activity, etc. Many prenatal yoga classes are geared toward beginning students, but not all. 
• Ask what the emphasis of the class is. Some classes are simply just to help moms practice yoga in an environment where they don’t have to think about modifying for certain yoga poses. Others are very geared toward preparing pregnant moms for birth and labor. One prenatal yoga class could be all about relaxing, connecting to your spirituality, or about making mom friends. It’s OK to reach out and ask the teacher what she emphasizes the most so you’ll know what to expect

Try a few different classes to see what will work best for you. 

Most prenatal yoga teachers would be happy to let you drop in to a class to see if it’s a good fit for you–even if they structure their classes in a series (like I do!). It’s a good idea to try a couple of different prenatal yoga classes to see if there’s a teacher you click with more or a studio vibe you dig. 

Guide to Prenatal Yoga Classes in Charleston, SC and Surrounding Areas

Spoiled Yogi Prenatal Yoga Classes in North Charleston

Saturday mornings from 9-10am at Barefoot Yoga Studio in North Charleston’s Park Circle Community

Prenatal yoga teacher Erica Rodefer Winters (Hey! That’s me!) has completed prenatal yoga teacher trainings, has more than 5 years of experience, and has helped hundreds of pregnant moms in the Charleston area. Plus, I have practiced throughout two of my own pregnancies. 

These classes emphasize community, easing pregnancy aches and pains, birth prep, and all-over relaxation. 

Perfect for all levels and all trimesters of pregnancy.

Visit the complete prenatal yoga class schedule here. 

Holy Cow Yoga Center in West Ashley Charleston, SC

This is where I took prenatal yoga when I was pregnant with my first daughter 8 years ago! At the time it was the ONLY studio that offered prenatal yoga. They still have the most classes at different times throughout the week. I love this studio and the sweet teachers here are qualified and amazing. 

Sundays 3:30pm with Ursel Harmon

Wednesdays at 12pm with Jill Keefer

Learn more https://www.holycowyoga.com/

Satsang Yoga Studio in Mount Pleasant, SC

Satsang Yoga Studio is a really lovely studio. Andrea Boyd is an amazing yoga teacher with tons of experience, and she’s also a birth doula. So if you’re close to Mt. Pleasant, you’ll be in good hands here. 

Tuesdays 6pm

Satrudays 10:45am

Learn more here.

Yohola Yoga Factory in James Island, SC

This is a newer yoga studio and I haven’t even made it here yet! But I do know that everyone I know who’s been there raves about it. I love that they special women’s circles and events and I could see how it would be an amazing place for prenatal yoga! 

Tuesdays from 10-11:15am with AshleyAnne Brown

Learn more here.

Summerville Medical Center in Summerville, SC

Since doctors are always touting the benefits of yoga for labor and delivery, it makes perfect sense to offer prenatal yoga classes in a hospital setting. So I love that there’s a free prenatal yoga class at Summerville Medical Center! 

I’ve never met prenatal yoga teacher Suzanne Nichlas in person, but I know she’s a registered nurse and IBCLC registered lactation consultant in addition to her yoga experience. It sounds like she’s a wealth of information for mamas to be!

Fridays from 5-6pm with Suzanne Nichlas

Get more info here.

Now, I want to hear from you. What were some of the factors you will consider (or did consider) when you choose a prenatal yoga class? Please comment below and let me know!

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