The body goes through so many changes during pregnancy, some can be scary especially if this is your first time. Understanding the changes and knowing how to deal with them is crucial to cope with your new body properly, and protect yourself along with your baby. 

A lot changes to make way for a new independent creation inside of you, new blood vessels need to be made, and this can have a significant effect. 

Do you ever feel like you can't breathe? Here's why:

Anemia is a disease in most people, but in pregnancy it's actually natural!

Sorry.... I gotta go!!!

Heart burn, constipation, feeling a bit full too early... sound familiar?

This lecture is not about tattoos!

Back pain is described as one of the toughest physical parts of pregnancy, and this is for good reason. Listen a bit about why this happens, and be sure to get to the yoga section to help manage some of this pain. 

Great job for making it this far, keep going!

Checkups can be scary especially if you don't know what awaits on the other side of the door. This section will go through everything you need to expect, what you should do, what you don't need to do, and what results mean. 

It's positive!!! Congratulations!

This test is amazing, welcome to the 21st century!

The first ultrasound, here's a good chance for you to say hi for the first time. 

Getting into some blood tests. 

A few more blood tests...

Saying hi again to the baby in this ultrasound, you might even get to take a picture home with you :)

Definitive testing to make sure that everything is okay.

This video will take you through all of the advantages and disadvantages of CVS compared with amniocentesis. 

What does it mean if there's an abnormal result?

Testing for GBS has significantly reduced post birth complications, because we can preemptively get rid of this bacteria as it sits in the birth canal.  

Here are a few more tests not to forget as you progress through pregnancy, be sure to read the articles as well!

This is one of the most important questions. How does the birth start? When should you go to the hospital? How do you know that you're ready? 

Sometimes there are some signs during pregnancy which require you to go get checked out. Here are a few of them, and some other resources to help you out as well. 

Movements are one of the joys and pains of pregnancy. This video talks about what you should look out for, and when to be concerned. 

Exercise is extremely important during pregnancy for your own health, and the baby's as well. However extreme exercise might be a bit much. 

Your pelvic floor is very vulnerable during pregnancy, and even more so during the birth. Learn a bit about what that means, and how you can protect it. 

In this section the lectures will help you develop a plan so that you can take control of your own pregnancy, making sure that you know what you need to decide and when to request the things that you want. 

We're getting closer... set the mood and you are on your way!

It's time to dance! Get that pelvis moving, and get those contractions moving along. 

What happens right after you hear that first gasp of air, that first cry? What a beautiful moment. 

There are a few immediate decisions that you have to make with regards to treating the baby, and you should definitely think about them before hand. 

Here is the full packing list!

Yoga is one of the best things you can do for your body during pregnancy. Hormones like 'relaxin' cause certain joints to be more flexible, preparing your body for birth while at the same time causing back pain, and changing your balance as well as center of gravity. Yoga helps you stay in balance with your body and mind, being aware of the changes and taking control of them. 

Cat cow is a great exercise to start with, mixing a bit of yoga with physiotherapy. It is especially good for back pain, helping your supporting muscles to stretch out if they're tense, and strengthening them a bit too. 

Start practicing your positions and techniques for easing contractions. They also strengthen the muscles you need, and create a muscle memory for these techniques to come more naturally to you in the time when you need them most. 

Release the tension in your body as you take deep breaths, letting out any ounce of worries or stress that may still exist within you. This is a rewarding part of the yoga, especially if you persist and get your weekly sessions in routinely. 

This is another good one for back pain. You can do it alone, or with your partner as well, who will guide your knee movements with you. Make sure you make big, slow movements controlling every inch of the moment. 

This is a great one for your balance, and supporting muscles all around the core of the body, pelvis, stomach, legs and groin. Try to keep at these exercises a few times each week, persistence is the key to strengthening muscles, and getting better at the positions. 

One of the best exercises you can do for balance, finding your center and giving it the appropriate attention that it deserves. Proper balance and proprioception help reduce accidents, and create a sturdy base for you and the baby, increasing confidence and releases fewer stress hormones. 

This is one of the most common yoga positions, and if you've done a lot of yoga in the past you are probably very familiar with the name. The pregnancy version is a bit different, though it's okay to do the regular version as well especially earlier in pregnancy if you are more experienced. 

The frog position can go a long way to increasing blood flow to some of your internal organs in the groin area, reducing constipation and improving symptoms from haemorrhoids. 

Sitting on the wall, back on the floor
This stretch can reduce tension from your lower back, pelvis and supporting muscles. It also helps increase the returning blood flow to the heart from the lower part of your body. For this reason you can do this daily, before you go to sleep is a good time as well as your yoga sessions. The increased blood flow can help you sleep better as well. 

Pelvic circles leaning on wall
This is another technique to help you through contractions. Braxton Hicks contractions are a good time to practice, though practicing these techniques when you are calm and controlled is always better for you to learn them properly, so be sure to do this one rather frequently. 

Stress levels have real effects on our bodies, and unfortunately on the baby too. Keeping down your stress is an important part of your health for a number of reasons, and meditation is a great way to do that. Take time out of your day, even if it's just a few minutes, and dedicate them to these exercises in order to reduce your stress, appreciate the changes and feeling that you're having, and connect with yourself and the baby. 

If you're new to meditation, pregnancy is a great place to start. Learn some of the basics here including position, atmosphere, and basic techniques. 

Breathing is an important part of meditation, in this session we go over a few techniques to make sure that you breath properly, stretching out your diaphragm and increasing your lung capacity. 

This session is one of the most exciting, and if you practice this a few times you'll create a very strong connection between you and the pregnancy, and the baby. 

In this session we learn a few more techniques that are amazing to do while you meditate both during pregnancy, and when you're not pregnant as well. Relax your whole body as you find your place to be focused and concentrated on yourself in your current state, finding peace of mind in the present. 

*** Most of these exercises are for AFTER pregnancy! ***