I have done 200hr level.
One of my students has just fallen pregnant (about 6 weeks). I haven’t done specific pregnancy training, so im not sure if I can teach her, if she can carry on. She really wants to carry on with classes and is going to speak to her gynea, but do you think I can only teach her if I’ve done my next level training?
Also, do you know if I can do a training in just pregnant classes?
200hr training does not state that you CAN teach pregnant but it also does not state that you CAN NOT…I would ask her to bring a note from the doctor that she can practice…this is the legal side…
it is going to be difficult to keep her in the regular class…you will have to offer modifications for her…
from teaching point… do a research if you are planing to tech her…there are plenty of info online. she should not do any type of abdominal crunches!!
Hello Robslea,
In my view, a student who is pregnant needs teaching for two - one that concerns itself with the safety and effect for the mother and one that concerns itself with the safety and effective of the developing fetus.
For this reason it would be my preference to have students that are pregnant study with a teacher who has substantial pre-natal yoga training. The needs of the two aforementioned students grow over term and so not only does the teacher need to be able to serve both students now but also in the second and third trimesters.
What I do with such students when they come to general classes is explain to them what the yoga viewpoint is, as I’ve studied, learned, and practiced it. I can modify some parts of the general practice for them but they would be best served in a pre-natal class. If they choose to stay they should be aware that it does take require a great deal of the teacher during class.
thank you both so much for that fast response! It’s great advice! I will definitely see what her doctor says and speak to a few other teachers who have experience. Thanks again.
Yoga is actually and excellent type of exercise to use during pregnancy. It is often used to prepare for labor.
Pilates is great for pregnancy.
The benefit of Pilates’ movement therapy exercises for women thru pregnancy and post-partum is mostly misunderstood. Simply put, Pilates is a safe and effective approach to exercise for pregnant women to assist with breathing, body alignment and to recover body shape and tone after birth.
Hay
yes yoga is better during the pregnancy because it is very slight exercise to maintain the health in order to avoid any complexicities.
I agree with InnerAthlete, I am pregnant right now as well and my doctor actually told me not to practice at all! There was a minor complication in the beginning of my pregnancy. I am now 20 weeks along and everything is fine, but I am still not doing an active asana practice. Things can be extremely delicate in the first 12 weeks so I would be very careful with your student.
If for any reason she is told not to practice there is still a lot she CAN do such as relaxation poses, SOME pranayama and yogic study which is what I have turned to in order to keep yoga a big part of my life.
Yes absolutely. A vigorous practice is ill-advised during pregnancy. Some do it anyway and are “fine” but the risks far outweigh the benefits.
The asana approach for pregnancy, in the lineage in which I study/train/practice requires alteration in the three trimesters. Pregnancy is not the same in the first week as it is in the 35th. Likewise the yoga practice (including but not limited to asana) should not be the same.