You’re pregnant! Congratulations!

If you’re like a lot of first-time moms there were immediately a million questions going through your mind as soon as you saw that positive test. Now that you’ve gotten over the the shock, told your partner, and did some simple math to figure out a due date you’ve taken to you computer to learn about how to make sure you do everything you can to make sure your pregnancy is healthy.

Prenatal yoga is something that most everyone agrees is a healthy thing to do for both you and your baby. (See my post on the benefits of prenatal yoga!) But, when do you actually show up to start prenatal yoga classes?

See also Prenatal Yoga Classes in Charleston, SC

When to Start Prenatal Yoga?

When you get yourself enrolled in a prenatal yoga class really depends on the individual.

A lot of prenatal yoga classes are safe for all three trimesters of pregnancy. (Though, it’s always a good idea to check with the prenatal yoga instructor at your local studio to be sure. Some schools of yoga aren’t comfortable with teaching women who are still in their first trimester.) See also Yoga in the First Trimester: Is It Safe?

Many women start right away. After all, the longer you practice the mindfulness, breathing, stretching, and strength building that’s built into most prenatal yoga classes, the more likely these things will be second nature to you when it’s time to give birth. (Of course, these are tools you want to have in your toolbox for after the baby comes, too!)

If one of the reasons you want to join a prenatal yoga class is so that you can make connections with other moms in the same phase of life, starting sooner will give you more time to meet people and cultivate those friendships before your baby’s born.

Other Considerations for Deciding When to Start Prenatal Yoga

Other pregnant moms, however, feel like they’re not quite ready to jump into a prenatal yoga class until they’re into their second trimester. This might be a good decision for you if you’re experiencing a lot of morning sickness or fatigue (both are very common during the first trimester and often subside by the second trimester).

Women who have had a history of miscarriage or infertility might also want to wait until the pregnancy is well established before starting a yoga class. (This is less about the yoga practice being unsafe for the pregnancy and more about moms’ comfort and peace of mind.)

Some women would just prefer to continue going to their regular yoga class until they need to make more modifications for a growing belly.

Of course, other moms simply feel uncomfortable going to a prenatal yoga class until they look or “feel” more pregnant. And you know what? That’s totally valid, too! The whole point of these classes is that they are a refuge for moms. Pregnant mamas in prenatal yoga should feel comfortable and like you belong, too!

So, what’s the bottom line?

One of the most important things I hope that women who take my prenatal yoga classes in Charleston, SC learn is how to tap into their inner wisdom to make the best choices for themselves and their families.

This is one of those cases where there’s really no right answer, so you kind of just have to do what feels right in your gut. (There are SO many of these scenarios in motherhood.)

If you have some energy and aren’t struggling with morning sickness or any other health issues, you can start joining in a prenatal yoga class at any time.

Not quite sure you’re ready to leave your regular yoga class? I completely understand that, too. The video below will give you the basics of what poses you’ll want to start avoiding now that you’re pregnant.