Looking for a Yoga or Fitness Class During Pregnancy or Postpartum? Read This First.
Choosing a class during pregnancy or in the first year postpartum isn’t just about finding a place to move and stretch—it’s about finding a teacher who understands what you’re going through, physically and emotionally.
The truth is: not all yoga or fitness classes are created equal.
Many general movement spaces welcome pregnant or postpartum students with open arms—but that doesn’t mean the instructor is trained in the specific needs of this incredibly tender and transformative time.
That means:
No guarantee the class is trauma-informed
No understanding of how pregnancy and postpartum affect the core and pelvic floor
No awareness of the emotional, hormonal, or spiritual shifts that shape this season of life
Why Does That Matter?
Because your body is changing in profound ways. What might be safe or effective for the general population might be inappropriate—or even harmful—during pregnancy or postpartum, especially in the early months after birth.
As a long-time teacher and mother, I’ve seen this happen firsthand:
Postpartum students unknowingly asked to perform core-focused movements that increase intra-abdominal pressure and worsen diastasis recti
Pregnant students feeling shame or fear when a pose or movement doesn’t feel right, with no guidance for how to adjust safely
New moms walking away from class feeling like they failed—because their bodies couldn’t “keep up” or “bounce back” like others
These aren’t failures of the students.
These are failures of the system—and often of well-meaning instructors who simply haven’t been educated in the physiology, psychology, and reality of the perinatal experience.
When the Class Isn’t Designed for You, It Can Do More Harm Than Good
This applies not just to yoga, but to any general fitness or movement class.
From HIIT to barre, Pilates to vinyasa—if the instructor isn’t trained in prenatal and postpartum care, it can unintentionally create harm instead of healing.
It’s not just about comfort—it’s about safety and support.
It’s hard to feel seen when:
You’re trying to hold in a fart or queef during a transition
You leak pee—or even poop—when lifting, lunging, or laughing
You feel like your body is “failing” at something you used to love
You leave class feeling defeated or discouraged instead of nourished
And when the class isn’t designed for your prenatal or postpartum body, it can:
Worsen incontinence or pelvic organ prolapse
Exacerbate diastasis recti, preventing the abdominal muscles from healing
Increase intra-abdominal pressure, leading to core and pelvic floor dysfunction
Slow down or derail your postpartum recovery
This isn’t about fear—it’s about informed care.
You deserve a class that understands your anatomy, honors your journey, and helps you heal with confidence.
It’s Not Their Fault. But It’s Not Safe for You.
Being a yoga teacher or fitness instructor doesn’t automatically mean someone understands what happens to the core, pelvic floor, nervous system, and sense of identity during pregnancy, birth, and postpartum recovery.
Even if an instructor is a parent themselves, they may not have had complications—or they may not recognize how to safely support common issues like:
Pelvic floor dysfunction
Pelvic organ prolapse
Incontinence (pee or poop)
Pubic symphysis pain
Diastasis recti
Postpartum anxiety or depression
Trauma responses or emotional vulnerability
These challenges are common, but not well understood in most general movement spaces. That’s why it’s essential to work with someone trained in perinatal health, trauma-informed care, and functional movement for healing and recovery.
You Deserve a Class Where:
You are seen and understood—not asked to perform
You feel safe to move, modify, or rest at any time
You’re encouraged to explore how your body feels, not what it looks like
You’re supported with compassion, knowledge, and care
Your teacher knows when to say: “That’s out of my scope—and you deserve a specialist.”
Are You a Teacher or Trainer? This Work Needs You, Too.
If you currently teach yoga or fitness and want to better support pregnant and postpartum clients, I invite you to my upcoming continuing education training:
🌿 Building Confidence in Teaching Perinatal Students
May 9 & 10, 2025 | Soul Tree Yoga, Lafayette, CO
A 9-hour in-person continuing education training for yoga teachers and movement professionals
📅 Friday & Saturday | 1:00–5:30pm each day
🔗 Registration through Soul Tree Yoga
You’ll learn how to:
Create inclusive, trauma-informed classes
Support the evolving needs of perinatal students with confidence
Understand your role and scope of practice
Build strength in your students without causing harm
Teach with clarity, care, and compassion
Whether you’re just starting or ready to refine your approach, this training will deepen your impact and expand your teaching with integrity.
👉 Learn More HERE
You’re not just a person in a class.
You’re becoming a mother. You’re healing. You’re changing in ways seen and unseen.
And you deserve a space that honors your entire journey.
All content © Anne Catherine Yoga. This blog and any affiliated handouts is for personal use only. Please do not distribute or reproduce without permission. Yoga practices are offered as general education and are not intended to diagnose, treat, or prevent any medical condition. Always consult your provider before beginning any new movement practice.
