Any Pregnant Yogis?

[Anonymous]

I'm 15 weeks along and though I haven't transitioned to a prenatal class, I plan to add these to my routine soon.
So far I've just been taking it easy (no jump backs and no deep twists). Last night as I was about to go into Bow pose, it hit me that I should not be balancing on my uterus (!) and I wondered what else should be an absolute no-no right now? I've emailed the prenatal teacher at our studio but was just wondering if anyone has a quick cheat sheet like I have for the fish I'm not supposed to eat!
Thanks in advance!

[Anonymous]

I think you'll receive different advice depending on the yoga teacher - some say that if you are a fairly advanced student that it is okay to continue just about everything throughout your pregnancy, others are much more cautious. I would worry more about doing anything that overstretches or overextends your joints, as the relaxin in your body makes your more suceptible to pulling yourself out of alignment or pulling a muscle. So I would not push yourself into any position and I would be careful about moving too quickly. I don't think lying on your uterus is harmful as long as it is not uncomfortable. Most people say not to lie on your back after the first trimester, but my OBs were okay with that.

[Anonymous]

I've been taking Ashtanga for 12 years and really recommend Margaret at Joy of Motion. She teaches a more challenging prenatal class than some I've tried and as an experienced yogi, I appreciated her vigor and her modifications. As you get bigger, she doesn't recommend the full push up during sun salutes b/c it can put strain on your abs and cause a tear (whcih I got last preg but not b/c of yoga).