Pre-natal Yoga... at 37/38 weeks...

Okay, so I left it a little late.

But really it's better late than never. I am lucky that pre-pregnancy I was always active: running around, dancing/teaching dance and did yoga from time to time. So I've been quite supple. Even in my first, second and towards the beginning of my third trimester, I made it a point to walk short distances often.

Towards the end of my second trimester, you started getting heavier than I thought you would be, Dobbes. I looked small, so I thought I'd be okay. But I started experiencing Pelvic Girdle Pain, a.k.a PGP that increased in intensity. Today, I can't walk ten steps without my right buttock seizing up in a sudden spasm that can last anything from a couple of seconds to long minutes. It gets scary when I'm crossing the road...

So now that I am officially on leave, I started pre-natal Yoga classes with Colleen Simmonds who has been teaching it for quite some time. The class was generally rejuvenating as well as relaxing; far from the strenuous yoga I used to do when the belly was flatter. I was horrified to discover how out of yoga-shape I am. Maybe it is because the belly is in the way, but my joints are now so loose and tender that I feel I have lost a lot of strength that I used to have in the past.

So ladies who are pregnant, or planning to get pregnant: keep on the yoga and start early (after 1st trimester should do the trick...).

I miss teaching Yoga Kids and remember the fun play stuff I used to do during class-time, especially the ones at Club Med. The kids were so game and fun and the setting -- with the open air by the beach/pool -- was so conducive.

You're definitely doing some baby yoga with me Dobbes. I think from the way you keep moving and flowing in my belly seems like you're doing the sun and moon salutation all the time!

Until then, I'll just wait patiently while you have all the quiet time you need in there to grow a strong body and a beautiful soul so that when the world greets you, you will sit in lotus and calmly offer your gifts.

Namaste.