Pregnancy Yoga Classes
Caversham, Reading & online
Birth-changing classes & workshops
Learn how to move safely in pregnancy and keep active ready for labour. If you want to learn breathing techniques, practical tips for birth and enjoy nourishing relaxations, this is the class for you.
Class details - in person & livestreamed
Suitable from 12 weeks+, beginners welcome.
Thursdays 6.30-7.45pm
Saturdays 10.00-11.15am (no class 30th March or 20th April (hall closed))
Hemdean House School, Caversham RG4 7SS
FREE parking
Can be paid for individual or using a class pass.
Pregnancy class pass - This gives you a discount on in person classes.
Then use the schedule below to book specific classes.
(You can use it at Thursday or Saturday classes - NB you can only book 5 weeks ahead, so return to the schedule for new dates).
When is the best month to start prenatal yoga?
You can join a class any time in your second or third trimester. The earlier you start, the greater the benefits will be during the pregnancy itself such as improved sleep, feeling less anxious about the birth and having fewer pregnancy discomforts.
Also, when you attend the classes for 10+ weeks, the benefits are increased for childbirth, with research showing significant shortening of the first, second and third stages of labour, less induction of labour, and fewer instrumental and surgical deliveries. (See a summary of the research on pregnancy yoga)
Lots of free resources to support you
While nothing beats an in person class where you can interact with the teacher and the others who are pregnant, over the years I have created lots of resources to help you through this incredible, but sometimes anxiety-producing time!
For the free talk about how to physically prepare and the role of the body in birth, visit this page. You can find other resources on my YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/c/TessayogaUk. See the Pregnancy Yoga and Birth Preparation playlists.
What movements should I avoid during pregnancy?
In Pregnancy Yoga we avoid lying on your front (also on your back as it becomes uncomfortable) and strong twists such as the seated spinal twist Ardha Matsyendrasana. It is also important to avoid holding your breath as a constant supply of oxygen to the baby is essential.
An experienced teacher can modify positions in a general yoga class, however I recommend attending a specific Pregnancy Yoga class that focuses on making you as comfortable during your prenatal time and learning practices that will support the labour.
Read my article on the research evidence for pregnancy yoga on childbirth outcomes.
I have 16 years experience of teaching pregnancy yoga. I am a member of the Maternity Voices Partnership committee at the RBH (for 5 years) collaborating on projects with midwives.
I am a trainer of other pregnancy yoga teachers through the Yoga Teachers Forum and run the international State of Birth symposium for birth professionals.
FEDANT National Registration number 13398
What People Are Saying
"I started attending Tessa’s pregnancy classes twice a week via zoom from 17 weeks until I was 39 weeks and 4 days. They were without a doubt the highlight of my week during the pandemic and I loved every minute of them.
Tessa is a phenomenal teacher whose yoga practice and movements made my pregnancy so much easier to cope with. Her breathing techniques, the rebozo [positioning technique for the baby], the positive affirmations in the relaxation were all so amazing to learn and remember and very much helped me have as calm a birth as I possibly could.
The midwives even commented on how extraordinarily well I was coping throughout the established labour and I put that all down to Tessa’s wonderful teaching.
It is so lovely to continue my yoga practise with Tessa and my baby Artie at Mum & Baby Yoga. Anyone who is pregnant, has a baby or generally wants to do yoga could not find a better, kinder or more caring person than Tessa: she is one in a million!"
- Sophie Capo-Bianco, May 2021
Birth-changing workshops & resources
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Yoga Nidra Library
If your favourite part of a yoga class is the relaxation, treat yourself to a whole collection of tracks from 12 to 35 mins in length. £12 for 20 tracks.
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Masterclass on Labour & Birth Positions
A practical workshop with your birth partner: based on biomechanics for birth learn how movement and positioning is key. Available in person and as a recording.
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Birth Preparation Classes
Including hypnobirthing techniques, biomechanics for birth (labour positions based on anatomy), breathing techniques, birth know-how and much more, this practical course will give you a whole tool box.
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Mother blessing
Baby showers are well known, but mother blessings less so. The focus is on celebrating this rite of passage into motherhood. Created specifically for you, it is a special event to draw strength from during the birthing journey.
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Mother & Baby Yoga Classes
Tuesdays (9.45-10.45 and 11-12) in person at Church House, Caversham. Suitable from 7 weeks postpartum. Postnatal yoga is for both the mum and baby.
Beginners welcome.
Multips welcome.
Free parking
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Pearls of Birth Wisdom: An Inner Journey with Stories, Insights & Practices
Tessa's book as 20+ diverse, positive birth stories from mums (and dads) who've attended her classes. Insights and practices are woven in, with resources at the end of each chapter.