Prenatal yoga has become a multifaceted approach that encourages you to address body, mind and spirit. According to the Mayo Clinic, prenatal yoga can be a great way to prepare you for labor and promote your baby’s health
Yoga is a safe approach that promotes the health of pregnant women and their babies. The benefits of prenatal yoga are endless, here is a list of possible soothing benefits for future Moms and their babies.

1. Develops stamina and strength

As baby grows within your body, more energy and strength is needed to be able to carry the weight. Yoga poses strengthen your hips, back, arms and shoulders

2. Balance

Balance is a physical challenge as the fetus continues to grow. Emotionally you are drained due to the increases in progesterone and estrogen. As you try to focus on holding and breathing through each yoga pose, you are able to fine tune your balance, physically and emotionally.

3. Relieves tension of lower back, hips, chest, upper back, neck and shoulders

As baby grows, more stress is put upon these specific muscle groups in your bodies. You tend to have more of a lordotic/lower back curve due to the increased size of your bellies. Your hips get tighter due to the added pressure of baby's weight in your bellies. As your breasts increase in size, your upper back and chest have more tension, along with your neck and shoulders.

4. Calms the nervous system

Through deep breathing, the nervous system goes into parasympathetic mode, which is responsible for relaxation. When your bodies are in that mode, your digestions operate properly, you tend to sleep better, and your immune system is at its optimal.

5. Preparation for Labor

You are working with conscious breathing during each yoga pose, which may sometimes be challenging. This transfers into the time of labor, allowing one to practice being "comfortable with the uncomfortable" through your breath work. As you inhale, you acknowledge the tension that is felt. As you deeply exhale, you let go of it more and more with each breath.

6. Connection with baby

A prenatal yoga practice allows you to slow down and focus attention on what is going on within your bodies. Through working with your breath and doing each pose, you become more aware of what is going on within.

7. Increases circulation

Circulation is enhanced within your joints and your muscles are elongated during practice. Upon circulation of the blood within your bodies, swelling is decreased and your immunity is enhanced, creating a healthy environment for a thriving baby.

8. Breath work practice

This is a good tool for labor during contractions. If you are consciously breathing, your blood pressure and heart rate is regulated keeping you in parasympathetic and in relaxation mode. The baby experiences everything you do!

9. Sense of community/sisterhood

It can be very comforting to be with a group of women who understand and share what you are going through.

10. Nurturing time

This time allows you to focus on you and your baby - it really slows you down from a busy day. As you practice yoga, you are setting the intention of self care and of your baby. This is a soothing experience for both of you.

Breathing

You'll be encouraged to focus on breathing; inhaling deeply and exhaling completely through the nose. Prenatal yoga breathing techniques might help you reduce or manage shortness of breath during pregnancy and work through contractions during labor.

Gentle stretching

You'll be encouraged to gently move different areas of your body, such as your neck and arms, through their full range of motion.

Postures

While standing, sitting or lying on the ground, you'll gently move your body into different positions aimed at developing your strength, flexibility and balance. Props — such as blankets, cushions and belts — might be used to provide support and comfort.

Cool down and relaxation

At the end of each prenatal yoga class, you'll relax your muscles and restore your resting heart rate and breathing rhythm. You might be encouraged to listen to your own breathing, pay close attention to sensations, thoughts and emotions, or repeat a mantra or word to bring about a state of self-awareness and inner calm.

What types of yoga are recommend and what types are not recommended for pregnant women?

Prenatal yoga, hatha yoga and restorative yoga are the best choices for pregnant women. Talk to the instructor about your pregnancy before starting your yoga class.
It’s better to avoid Bikram yoga, hot yoga, ashtanga yoga and power yoga. These types of yoga are not recommended.

Talk to your doctor.

Before you begin a prenatal yoga program, make sure you have the ok from your doctor. You might not be able to do prenatal yoga if you are at increased risk of preterm labor or have certain medical conditions, such as heart disease or back problems.

Set realistic goals

For most pregnant women, at least 30 minutes of moderate physical activity is recommended on most, if not all, days of the week. However, even shorter or less frequent workouts can still help you stay in shape and prepare for labor.

Pace yourself

If you can't speak normally while you're doing prenatal yoga, you're probably pushing yourself too hard.

Stay cool and hydrated

Practice prenatal yoga in a well-ventilated room to avoid overheating. Drink plenty of fluids to keep yourself hydrated.

Avoid certain postures

When doing poses, bend from your hips — not your back — to maintain normal spine curvature. Avoid lying on your belly or back, doing deep forward or backward bends, or doing twisting poses that put pressure on your abdomen. You can modify twisting poses so that you only move your upper back, shoulders and rib cage.

Avoid inverted poses

which involve extending your legs above your heart or head, unless you're an experienced yoga practitioner. As your pregnancy progresses, use props during postures to accommodate changes in your center of gravity. If you wonder whether a pose is safe, ask your instructor for guidance.

Don't overdo it

Pay attention to your body and how you feel. Start slow and avoid positions that are beyond your level of experience or comfort. Stretch only as far as you would have before pregnancy.
If you experience any pain or other red flags — such as vaginal bleeding, decreased fetal movement or contractions — during prenatal yoga, stop and contact your health care provider.

How to choose a prenatal yoga class?

Look for a studio that has trained and certified instructors. You might also consider hiring a private instructor who has training in prenatal yoga. Consider observing a class ahead of time to make sure you're comfortable with the activities involved, the instructor's style, the class size and the environment.