How Yoga Is Helping Me Through Pregnancy

These are five reasons why I’m loving prenatal yoga - and why I think it’s worth incorporating into your pregnancy routine too.

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I’m currently in my third trimester, and I won’t lie - it’s starting to take a toll on my body. I feel heavy, my hips are sore, and by the end of the day I’ve run out of energy. All I want to do is crawl into bed and get a good and uninterrupted night’s sleep (that’s if the baby lets me).

There is one thing, however, that’s making a huge difference to how I’ve been feeling. I’ve kept yoga as part of my daily routine. No, it’s not quite the same as before - I’ve stopped going to hot yoga classes, and I’m not doing intense balances, twists or back bends anymore. But I’m still moving my body in a way that helps me feel good. It hasn’t magically taken away all of the aches and pains, but I’m certain it’s made them far more manageable.

I’ve been going to pregnancy yoga classes once a week since the start of my second trimester. But it wasn’t until I reached my third trimester that I realised once a week simply wasn’t enough. Now every evening, I carve out 30 minutes for some gentle yoga at home. The deep stretches, hip-opening poses, and conscious breathing have worked wonders for both my body and my mind.

Daily prenatal yoga has been key in helping to ease the discomfort and niggles that come with pregnancy. It’s improved my mobility and flexibility, and most importantly, helped me to sleep better at night.

Beyond the physical benefits, it’s such a lovely moment of me-time that I genuinely look forward to. Yoga gives me space to focus on nothing but my body and my growing baby. It’s like a daily check-in - a nurturing time that makes me feel I’m doing something good not just for me, but for the baby I’m soon to meet.

These are five reasons why I’m loving prenatal yoga - and why I think it’s worth incorporating into your pregnancy routine too.

5 Ways Prenatal Yoga Can Transform Your Pregnancy

1. Prepare your body for Labour

Pregnancy yoga is about more than stretching - it’s a gentle way of getting your body ready for birth. Through hip-opening poses, you’ll help create space in the pelvis and encourage your baby into the optimal position. Breathing techniques you practise on the mat can help guide you through contractions when the time comes. You’ll learn how to ground yourself, stay calm, and soften into discomfort rather than resist it. All of which are incredibly valuable skills for labour. Even if things don’t go according to plan, feeling more connected to your body can help you navigate whatever comes your way.

2. Calm Your Mind

Being pregnant can bring up a whole wave of emotions - from excitement and awe, to doubt and overwhelm. Not only are you worried about your baby, you’re also hugely aware that you’re going through a massive life change. And it can be hard to quieten those niggling thoughts about whether you’re up for the challenge. Yoga isn’t a magic fix, but it is a beautiful way to ground yourself. By tuning into your breath and body, you can step out of your racing mind and find a moment of stillness.

3. Ease Your Aches And Pains

Growing and carrying a tiny human for nine months takes its toll. Between pelvic girdle pain, lower back ache, tight calves and restless legs, it’s a lot. Practising yoga regularly has made such a difference to how I feel physically. It helps to release tension, stretch out sore areas, and strengthen the muscles that support your bump. It’s also a lovely way to realign the body - easing pressure on your hips and spine, and helping you move more freely as your posture shifts with pregnancy.

4. Find A New Community

Going to my local pregnancy yoga class is one of the highlights of my week. It’s a lovely way to meet other mums-to-be and chat to people who can relate to this time in your life. You’re all going through the same weird and wonderful changes, and it’s comforting to share experiences and laugh at the strange symptoms. It’s also a great way to build new friendships ahead of motherhood. Being surrounded by a supportive community of women going through this life transition is such a gift.

5. A Moment Just For You

Let’s be real, everything feels a bit harder when you’re heavily pregnant. Whether it’s working, socialising or just walking to the shop, life requires more energy. So taking time out to lie on your mat, breathe deeply, and stretch in a way that feels good can be a total game-changer. Even if it’s just for 10 or 15 minutes, it’s a chance to rest, reset, and show yourself some kindness. Pregnancy is the perfect time to slow down and prioritise your wellbeing. You deserve that time.