Pregnancy and Bikram

Dear Students,

When my husband and I found out that we were expecting, we were ecstatic, and then immediately filled with 1,000 different concerns! The experience can be joyful, a combination of joyful and nervewracking, or just plain nervewracking. Either way, it is a time where both parents need to be positive and stay as healthy as possible - and Bikram yoga might be a very good way to maintain your health!

Because of the nature of the practice, Bikram yoga will not be appropriate for most women. In order to practice Bikram yoga at Bikram Yoga Manchester, you have to first meet a few criteria. If you meet them, your next step will be to make an appointment with me to discuss doing Bikram yoga while pregnant and also to learn the pregnancy modifications.

To protect you, and your developing baby, it is imperative that you never do Bikram yoga without your health provider knowing about it, or without telling your instructor that you are pregnant.

With that said, let me encourage all women to practice some form of yoga during their pregnancies! While Bikram yoga may not be the right class for you during this delicate time, there are other ways to get yoga into your health routine.

Thank you for appreciating the importance of taking good care of yourself during your pregnancy! I am so very happy for you and your partner. I wish you the best luck and health during this fantastic adventure!

Sincerely,
Pubali C. Campbell, Director

You Can Practice Bikram Yoga at BYM If:
  • You have been practicing Bikram yoga (experience in other disciplines is not sufficient) for at least 3 times a week for a minimum of 6 months.
  • If you have been practicing Bikram yoga at other accredited Bikram studios, then BYM requires a letter from that studio's director verifying your experience.
  • In addition, you must have approval from your OB or midwife.


If you meet these criteria, your next step is to call Pubali Campbell at 669.7711 ext. 5 or email her to set up an appointment to discuss Bikram yoga during pregnancy and to learn the pregnancy posture modifications if she feels that a practice will be appropriate for you during your pregnancy.

You can not, under any circumstances, practice at Bikram Manchester pregnant without meeting these criteria. The studio is not responsible for women who practice the yoga pregnant without meeting the aforementioned criteria.

You Cannot Practice Bikram Yoga at BYM If:
  • You have never done Bikram yoga before, or if you have been practicing less than 6 months and not at least 3 times a week.
  • You have a high risk pregnancy.
  • Your health provider has told you not to.


For more information about Bikram yoga and pregnancy, go to the Bikram's Yoga College of India website and then click on FAQ's. Scroll down to 'Should I Still Practice If' and click on 'Pregnancy'.