Question 1

What equipment do I need?

Accepted Answer

No props are strictly required, but they do help immensely with prenatal yoga.

I highly recommend:
- 2 stable, full-width yoga blocks (9" × 6" × 4")
- Birth ball (We won't use this too much, but trust me, you'll be grateful for it when your third trimester hits!)
- Massage ball or lacrosse/tennis ball 
- Bolster (firm pillows or cushions can work great!)
- Strap (can be replaced with towels, shirts, or soft belts)

Question 2

Is yoga safe during pregnancy?

Accepted Answer

Yes — yoga is one of the most widely recommended forms of movement during pregnancy, and research consistently supports its benefits for both physical comfort and mental wellbeing. The key is practicing with instruction designed specifically for pregnancy. Samarra Yoga's courses are built trimester by trimester, so every session reflects what your body actually needs at that stage — not just a modified version of a general class.

Question 3

I've never done yoga before. Can I start during pregnancy?

Accepted Answer

The courses are designed for women who have some familiarity with yoga — you don't need to be advanced, but if you're completely new to practice, you may find some of the content challenging. That said, all movement is adaptable, and your body's needs during pregnancy always come first.

If you're brand new to yoga, a dedicated beginner-friendly course is in the works. Drop your email and I'll let you know when it's available.

Question 4

Are there yoga poses I should avoid when pregnant?

Accepted Answer

Yes, and knowing which ones matters more than most people realize. Deep twists, strong backbends, closed abdominal compressions, lying flat on your back after the first trimester, and inversions without significant prior experience are generally avoided in pregnancy, with some space for nuance. Every class in the Samarra Yoga courses has been designed with these guidelines (and their nuances) built in — you won't have to second-guess anything.

Question 5

Can I do yoga in the first trimester?

Accepted Answer

Yes, with some care. The first trimester is a time of significant hormonal change, and fatigue and nausea are common. The First Trimester course works with this — sessions are  designed around what actually feels sustainable in early pregnancy. If you're in a high-risk pregnancy or have been advised to limit activity, always check with your midwife or doctor first.

Question 6

How long do I have access to the courses?

Accepted Answer

Access is lifetime — once you enrol, the courses are yours. Pregnancy moves fast, but life moves faster. You can revisit sessions postpartum, use them in a future pregnancy, or go back to specific classes whenever you need them.

Question 7

Can I try a class before buying?

Accepted Answer

Yes. You can unlock a free class by entering your email — no payment required. It's the best way to get a feel for the style, the instruction, and whether Samarra Yoga is right for you before you commit to anything.

Question 8

How is this different from a free YouTube prenatal yoga video?

Accepted Answer

Free videos are a great starting point. What the Samarra Yoga courses offer is structure, sequence, and progression — a trimester-specific program that builds over time, rather than isolated sessions with no connection to each other. Every course is also created by a credentialed prenatal yoga instructor with lived experience of pregnancy. That expertise shapes everything from what's included to what's deliberately left out.

Question 9

Can yoga help with pregnancy back pain?

Accepted Answer

Yes — and it's one of the most common reasons women come to prenatal yoga. Back pain in pregnancy is largely driven by postural shifts as your center of gravity changes and your pelvis adapts. The courses include specific sequences for back relief, with work on the hips, glutes, and thoracic spine that addresses the root causes rather than just the symptom.

Question 10

Will yoga help with sciatica during pregnancy?

Accepted Answer

Sciatica in pregnancy is extremely common and often responds well to specific yoga work. The sequences that tend to help most focus on piriformis release, hip opening, and creating space through the lower back and sacrum — all of which are woven into the relevant trimester courses. If your sciatica is severe, it's always worth checking in with a doctor or physical therapist alongside your yoga practice.

Question 11

I'm struggling with pregnancy anxiety and sleep. Can yoga help?

Accepted Answer

Breathwork and the parasympathetic nervous system response that yoga activates are genuinely effective tools for anxiety and sleep disruption in pregnancy. The courses include pranayama techniques (particularly extended exhale work and nadi shodhana, nothing with breath holding) specifically for this. Many students find that a short evening session before bed becomes one of the most valuable parts of their practice.

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