Why Aquanatal Yoga Could Be the Best Thing You Do for Your Pregnancy
Pregnancy is a time of extraordinary change – physically, emotionally, and mentally. Amid all the preparation and anticipation, finding a form of exercise that truly nurtures both you and your baby can feel like discovering a secret superpower. That’s what the benefits of Aquanatal Yoga offer! And if you’re in Peterborough, Calmababy’s Aquayoga classes make it more accessible than ever.
What Is Aquanatal Yoga?
Aquanatal Yoga is a pregnancy-specific practice that blends the principles of yoga including breathwork, mindful movement, and deep relaxation with the unique properties of water. It’s quite different from a standard aqua aerobics class or a land-based pregnancy yoga session.
As Birthlight, the organisation behind the gold standard of aquanatal teacher training explains, water provides a soothing yet stimulating environment to prepare for birth, allowing stretching without straining or overheating, and toning without impact.
The result is something genuinely special: a practice that works your whole body gently and effectively, while simultaneously calming your mind and deepening your connection with your baby.
The Remarkable Benefits of Being in Water
The benefits of Aquanatal Yoga go far beyond simple fitness. Here’s why so many expectant mothers find it transformative:
A gravity-free sanctuary for your body
Water makes bodies feel virtually weightless, which opens the door to a depth of stretching that simply isn’t possible on dry land, especially as your bump grows! This is particularly welcome relief for those suffering from backache or pelvic pain. The hydrostatic pressure of water also means muscle chains can be worked gently but effectively without any strain.
Support for your pelvis and spine
Calmababy’s classes include yoga movements specifically adapted to water, with a focus on spinal alignment and hip-opening. This helps stretch and strengthen the spinal and abdominal muscles while preparing the pelvis for labour and birth. Many women also report that pelvic pain is significantly relieved simply by having the water support their weight.
Breathing that benefits both of you
Deeper, more expansive breathing is one of the cornerstones of Aquanatal Yoga and it’s especially valuable in water. Immersion in water helps pregnant women breathe diaphragmatically at precisely the time when babies are pushing against the ribcage and the heart is working harder. Good breathing nourishes your baby and, with practice, becomes a powerful tool in labour.
Deep relaxation and stress relief
Something remarkable happens when you float offering a unique experience of unity with your baby. Because your baby is suspended in amniotic fluid, you can share this sensation of weightlessness and connect in a way that feels truly profound. Many women find the sessions melt away stress and worry, helping them relax more easily than they can in any other setting.
Preparation for birth
Aquanatal Yoga creates a natural space to explore positions for labour, to work through fears around birth, and to practise the breathing and relaxation techniques you’ll draw on during delivery. Calmababy’s classes incorporate all of this, along with adapted swimming strokes that support the body’s changing shape.
One Calmababy mum, Taryn Moore, puts it perfectly: “The relaxation techniques and positions learnt in the classes were invaluable and kicked in instinctively when I went into labour. I was able to have a water birth and felt so at home and calm in the water.”
Community and connection
There’s something about sharing a pool with other pregnant women that creates a unique bond. Group work is woven into the Calmababy classes, giving you the chance to meet other expectant mothers, offer mutual support, and build friendships that often continue long after the babies arrive.
Why Calmababy’s Classes Stand Out
Calmababy’s Aquayoga classes are rooted in expert Birthlight training, teaching the same methodology developed by Françoise Freedman, whose approach has shaped Aquanatal Yoga practices worldwide.
What you get at Calmababy is a holistic class that covers swimming (with adaptations for pregnancy), yoga movements in water, breathing exercises, relaxation, birth preparation, and group connection all in one session. Classes are open from 14 weeks of pregnancy right through to 40 weeks and beyond, so you can truly make it a central part of your pregnancy journey.
Our flexible pricing makes it easy to commit to regular classes. A 5-class pass costs £55 (valid for 7 weeks), a 10-class pass is £99 (valid for 12 weeks), and drop-in sessions are available for £15. And if your baby arrives before you’ve used all your classes, any unused sessions are credited to your account.
Ready to Take the Plunge?
Whether you’re looking to stay active, ease discomfort, prepare mindfully for birth, or simply enjoy some deeply restorative time with your growing baby, Aquanatal Yoga at Calmababy offers something genuinely nourishing. It’s not just exercise, it’s one of the most beautiful ways to experience pregnancy.
Check the timetable and book your place via the Calmababy app or call 01733 707808.
Happy Swimming!
Alison Duff
Founder & Director
