I just found out that I am pregnant! I want to keep up with my regular class, but how long is too long to practice? Also, what are some good things I can do on my own to keep my body feeling good and also prepare it for what’s to come?

You should totally keep taking your regular class as long as you can! You can still do most things, like twisting or coming down onto your belly through the first trimester, but it’s great for you to practice your modifications now since you know you are going there anyway. When people take belly down back bends, you should stay on hands and knees and do one arm/one leg extended pose, cat cow, or camel. When people twist, twist with the same leg but the opposite direction, so you have room for the big bump that’s about to form. Also, you can take a high variation of twists (like in utkatasana or lunge with hands in prayer) but keeping hands at your heart and twisting at the waist instead of bending into your twist. Such great news! Keep practicing, it will only help you! – ShantiB

My yoga teacher has a photo of herself doing Pincha Mayurasana during her pregnancy, at eight months! So yes, I think you will be great keeping up with your practice. So happy to hear your exciting news! Namaste, Kathy

I have heard it’s good to keep up whatever exercise your body is used to doing, no matter what it is. So keep it up! It’s good for you to take a prenatal class as well, for these will be more focused on you and more concentrated on the muscles you will need to keep developing in the coming months. Congratulations!!! - KaliGirl