Yoga at 19 Weeks Pregnant

This week's poses are a bit late due to holiday travels and family get-togethers, but the photos were taken last Friday at my usual weekly time.

Daily Life at 19 Weeks: This week I celebrated my first holiday as a mother-to-be. Holiday food has a whole new meaning during pregnancy. While still in the womb, babies can actually taste the foods a mother eats. My baby got his first taste of homemade cranberry sauce and Amish-made pie, and I savored those foods like never before.

Practice at 19 Weeks: I'm bumping up the frequency of my weekly practice. In addition to my prenatal class, I'm attending a flow class at the gym and doing a solid home practice on weekends. I feel the need to spend more time exploring the way my pregnant body moves, and yoga is the perfect vehicle for that.

Yoga at 18 Weeks Pregnant

Daily Life at 18 Weeks: This week we found out we'll be having a little boy. Although the ultrasound tech assured me the baby is very active, I can't feel his kicks because I have an anterior (front-lying) placenta, which is acting like a cushion between my abdomen and my baby. I'm having fun planning for a boy, but also worried that he'll end up being a handful like his father. Must meditate and play Krishna Das to encourage tranquility.

Practice at 18 Weeks: I'm beginning to have more confidence in my prenatal practice. In the first trimester, I was nervous about doing backbends and anything else that made my tummy feel twingey. Now I know the baby is firmly snuggled into my uterus and not likely to go anywhere until the 40th week. This afternoon I enjoyed a more advanced, yet restful practice encouraging side extension and chest opening.

Photo Friday on Saturday: Yoga at 17 Weeks Pregnant

Daily Life at 17 Weeks: Waiting is a heavy experience. Despite my efforts to remain present and savor every moment, I can't help but want to lean into the future to feel the baby move, discover the sex of the baby, see the outline of a foot pressed against my belly, and cuddle the baby for real in my arms. It's similar to the feeling that weighs me down while I wait for more freedom and more fulfillment in my career. The difference is that I know I can't do anything to make my baby develop more quickly. My job is to be pregnant, take care of myself, and keep doing what I'm doing. I'd like to think of my career along the same lines. It would be so peaceful to just do what I do and trust that my path will unfold with time. 

Practice at 17 Weeks: I ordered a new book this week—Iyengar Yoga for Motherhood. I'm not so much of an Iyengar yogi, but this book contains countless propped-up poses that look oh-so-inviting to the pregnant soul. I'm waiting (on yet another thing!) and hoping it arrives in the mail today. Until then, my yoga teacher sent me home with a new modification to enjoy. Check out the pregnant version of Natarajasana (Lord of the Dance Pose).

Photo Friday on Saturday: Yoga at 16 Weeks Pregnant

This week's video features the same outfit from week 4. Check out the difference!

Daily Life at 16 Weeks: I'm beginning to feel some gentle flutters and am anxiously awaiting regular, noticeable fetal movement. Although still small, my bump is real, and I'm pretty proud to show it off. To be honest, I'm a little bit tired of being pregnant. I miss red wine and foot cramps are annoying.

Practice at 16 Weeks: In class this week we focused on opening our hamstrings and talked about pregnancy as a time of abundance. I've been getting leg and foot cramps at night, so this is a practice I'll be doing more often.