Yoga Teacher Training Forum

In answer to your question about blood supply - Yes, the mother's body does produce extra blood to support the growing baby. Thus the reason why taking a multi-vitamin is so important. Vitamins promote red blood cell production in both the mother and the baby.

In answer to your last question - again, my recommendation is that a pregnant woman should always take a pre-natal Yoga class. The reason is that the classes are small, and the Certified Prenatal Yoga Instructor is qualified in handling each individual's specific condition in accordance with the particular trimester she is in.

As your Trainee is not a Certified Prenatal Yoga Instructor, my suggestion would be to explain to this new student the benefits of why she should be in a Prenatal Yoga class; that is, specialized training and instruction. I have always set the policy, in our own studio, not to mix classes with those who are pregnant and those who are not. It takes one second for your attention to be drawn to another student(s) and a situation to result. During pregnancy, the body is changing and reacting to situations differently.

Has this student informed her doctor that she is participating in a "regular" Beginners Yoga class? Do you have a signed Doctor's note, from this student's doctor, stating that it is acceptable for her to participate in this type of "exercise" program?
Did this student sign a "waiver" form before taking your class?

Again - I am most concerned about the student's safety - and then, as I said, ugly as it may be, I am concerned about liability issues for you. People enter into situations with the best of intentions, but once they get hurt, someone has to accept the blame. Sorry to seem so pessimistic.

Namaste,

Susan