"How yoga helped my pregnancy"

Nicole Winterburn swapped corporate life for yoga

It’s being touted as one of the best exercises you can do while pregnant, so what’s all the fuss about? And is it ever too late to start? Nicole Winterburn shares the benefits.

“I worked in the corporate world for 20 years before I decided I wanted a lifestyle change. I’d always enjoyed yoga, so I studied to be a teacher at Yoga Sanga (www.yogasanga.com.au) and loved it so much I bought into the business! I believe you have to listen to your body to understand what it needs, and slowing down worked for me. I was trying to conceive while I was studying, so I was heavily into yoga and brisk walking, but once we started IVF, I did less exercise and on our second attempt, we were pregnant with twins.

"Initially, I cut back on yoga, but I knew there were plenty of benefits to doing it while pregnant, so I took it up again at 16 weeks. I love being in tune with my growing body and it gives me an opportunity to bond with my babies.

"I’m still teaching a class once a week and trying to practise, but now that I’m 31 weeks, I’m finding it far more challenging! At Yoga Sanga, what we teach is adapted to the needs and goals of individuals – when I was trying to conceive, for example, I focused on visualisation for fertility. We also offer postnatal classes for mums and babies, with a strong focus on common postnatal issues such as realignment of the spine, core body strength and pelvic floor toning. It’s also an opportunity for mums and bubs to bond.”

For more pregnancy fitness tips, check out the Spring issue of Cosmopolitan Pregnancy magazine, on sale now.

PLUS: Feel good inside and out - click here for tips on staying gorgeous while you're growing!