85 Hours Prenatal Yoga Teacher Training Course

UPPN102: Why Practice Yoga during Pregnancy shares the benefits of practicing yoga and the positive changes it brings to the pregnant women physically, emotionally and mentally.

UPPN103: Pelvis Anatomy introduces the anatomical features and structure of both the male and female reproductive system.

UPPN104: Pelvis & Yoga Therapy explains the Integrated Approach of Yoga Therapy for Pregnancy which comprises the concept of Pancakosa and yoga practices for each kosa.

UPPN105: Fetal Development during the whole course of pregnancy, from the time of conception, implantation, formation of cells, tissues, development of fetal life support systems, to the growth of fetus are included in this topic. Weeks by weeks development of the fetus are explained and also the application of yoga practices in accordance.

UPPN106: Pregnancy Complications can be easily prevented by early recognition and management. The complications include Pregnancy-Induced Diabetes (PID), Pregnancy-Induced Hypertension (PIH), Preeclampsia, and Intra-Uterine Growth Retardation (IUGR) etc.

UPPN107: Physiological Changes during Pregnancy explains the functional and structural alterations develop in the body during the course of pregnancy and delivery. The pregnancy-induced changes take place in parts of the body like cardio-vascular system, respiratory system, gastro-intestinal system, metabolism, uterus and breasts etc. This topic also explains the important hormonal changes in pregnancy.

UPPN108: General Background in this Specialty Area explains the role of healthcare professionals and the role of prenatal yoga teachers.

UPPN109: Antenatal Care aims to ensure the well-being of mother and child, by screening, prevention and management of maternal or fetal problems, and the preparation of the pregnant women and their spouses for childbirth and child rearing.

UPPN110: Yoga Philosophy Ethics is important to every yoga teacher and individual as it explains the concept of Patanjali’s 8 Limbs of Yoga and guides us in the yogic way.

UPPN111: Diet and Nutrition is important in Pregnancy as a dynamic life is being nourished within the body of the pregnant woman. The various concepts of diet and nutrition are introduced in this topic, to ensure that every pregnant woman will be guided on a healthy and balanced diet, with essential nutrients that supply energy, protect against infection and disease, help build and repair tissues and organs, and help in the proper functioning of all systems of both mother and fetus.

UPPN112: Postnatal Care is as important as prenatal care. In this theory topic, puerperium or postpartum care is explained and the yoga practices which can be done for both natural and cesarean delivery are included.

UPPN113: Asana for the Pelvic Area is a theory topic that includes the yoga postures that can be practiced physically during pregnancy that target the pelvic area. These help to prepare the pregnant women for birth by widening their pelvic area, improving blood circulation and also stimulate the ovaries and stabilizes hormone production.

UPPN114: First Trimester Practices which are introduced in this theory topic helps pregnant women adjust to changing hormones and energy during an often intense and delicate period of transformation. Yoga postures that are more grounded enable them to slow down and focus within their body, so as to create a favorable environment for the baby to grow.

UPPN115: Second Trimester Practices in this theory topic focus on cultivating strength and stamina for the pregnant women, and to refine awareness of their pelvis and spine. The practices also help to build more internal support so as to ease the pregnant women as the baby grows bigger and heavier.

UPPN116: Third Trimester Practices in this theory topic shows examples of yoga postures, pranayama and relaxation practices that focus on cultivating energy, postural alignment to give support to the spine, and the use of various props like bolsters and chairs etc.

UPPN117: Sequences for Common Problems in Pregnancy is a theory topic that explains the common problems like prematurely dilated cervix, dizziness, fatigue, headache, tension, heartburn, shortness of breath, back pain, high blood pressure and diabetes, and shows examples of yoga postures and sequences for these problems.

UPPN118: Pranayama in Theory teaches the concept of Pranayama according to Hatha Yoga, Bhagavad Gita and Patanjali. It also explains the relationship of breath, prana and the mind.

UPPN119: Dads and Partners discusses the roles and responsibilities that Dads and Partners play during pregnancy.

UPPN120: Sthiti (Initial) and Sithila (Relaxation) Postures in Tadasana, Dandasana and Savasana etc. designed to help pregnant women to attain balance and stability before going into postures, and also to relax after coming out of postures.

UPPN121: Sakti Vikasaka Suksma Vyayama refers to small exercises to loosen and strengthen various parts of the body like fingers, wrists, shoulders, hips, knees, ankles and toes etc.

UPPN122: Breathing Practices are important to get the pregnant women prepared for further practices. Some of the breathing practices include hands in and out breathing, hands stretch breathing, tiger breathing and neck loosening with breathing.

UPPN123: Sithilikarana Vyayama refers to loosening practices which help to loosen the various joints in the body and flex the spine by repeatedly stretching and relaxing different muscles. It also helps to develop the stamina of the body and discipline the body-mind complex.

UPPN124: Yogasanas are modified for the pregnant women in accordance to their trimesters. They include standing postures like Ardhakati Cakrasana and Hasta Padasana, sitting postures like Vajrasana, Ardha Matsyendrasana, Baddha Konasana, Upavista Konasana, Malasana, Sasankasana and Siddhayoni, and supine postures like Viparita Karani, Savasana and Matsya Kridasana.

UPPN125: Relaxation Techniques for prenatal like instant relaxation technique, quick relaxation technique, deep relaxation technique and yoga nidra, are important techniques which help pregnant women be able to rest, relieve tension, anxiety and relax completely. This benefits both mother and baby.

UPPN126: Pranayama is more than simple breathing exercises and it must be practised systematically and under proper guidance. It is also called yogic breathing which harmonizes the flow of prana within. In the practical session, pranayama like sectional breathing, nadisuddhi, cooling pranayama and bhramari are practiced in the prenatal way. Pranayama is emphasized in the delivery room, where the harmonization of breath, body and mind enables the link to the rhythm of breath with contractions of the uterus, which control the labour and maintain awareness throughout.

UPPN127: Meditation, which is the 7th limb of Ashtanga yoga, calms the mind to release stresses at the mental level. This process involves reducing the speed and number of thoughts in the mind. The meditation which is practiced in pregnancy includes Nadanusandhana and OM-meditation.

UPPN128: Mudra is a specific body position, which channelizes the energy produced by asana and pranayama into the various centers, and arouses particular states of mind. Some mudras that are used in meditation during pregnancy are Asvini Mudra and Sanmukhi Mudra.

UPPN129: Kriyas are yogic processes to cleanse the inner organs of the body, which helps to activate and revitalize the organs and develop deep internal awareness. The kriyas during pregnancy include Trataka and Vamana Dhouti. Practical sessions will be conducted to explain and guide through the full process of Trataka.

UPPN130: In General Prenatal Yoga Practice classes, there will be hands-on sessions to learn how to give instructions on the yogasanas and modify them in accordance to trimester and the common problems. Common variations are also included. Learning the general principles in giving physical cues and adjustments, the tone of voice and language in the class, the Dos and Don’ts during the class, use of various props and sequencing.

UPPN131-UPPN132: All students are required to complete their Field Training which consists of teaching pregnant women of different trimesters and common problems. Students are required to apply their knowledge into lesson planning, photos and videos for their submission to get their certification.