How to show up for yourself when pregnancy feels like a lot...

I know, I know...pregnancy is supposed to feel magical.

And sometimes it does—those quiet moments when you feel the baby move, or when you catch yourself daydreaming about who they'll become.

But sometimes, pregnancy just feels like...a lot. Heavy. Like your body isn't quite yours anymore, like you're supposed to be glowing and grateful every single day, and some days you're just... tired. And maybe a little scared. And wondering if you're doing any of this right.

I know because I've been there. Twice. And I've sat with countless pregnant people either on the yoga mat or during labor that have been there, too.

That's why I teach prenatal yoga the way I do—not as some perfect, pristine class where everyone's rocking Lululemon with a slick-back high pony. But as a space where you can show up exactly as you are. Swollen feet, sweatpants, racing thoughts, back pain, excitement, anxiety, all of it.

What prenatal yoga actually is (and isn't)

Prenatal yoga isn't about being flexible or fit or "good at yoga." It's not about adding one more thing to your never-ending to-do list or proving anything to anyone.

It's about giving yourself permission to slow down and to breeeeeeeathe. It's a chance to connect (and reconnect) with a body that's doing something incredible (and yes, magical) and exhausting all at once.

When I teach, we spend a lot of time on the floor. We stretch hips that are carrying extra weight. We strengthen muscles that will support you through labor. We practice breathing—the deep, steady breaths that remind you that you're safe and you're capable.

And honestly? Sometimes we just sit and talk about how weird pregnancy is. How isolating it can feel, even when you're literally growing another human. How hard it is to trust your body when everything feels unfamiliar.

The stuff that actually helps

Here's what I've seen prenatal yoga do for people:

It eases the physical discomfort. Round ligament pain, lower back aches, that feeling like your hips are going to fall apart—gentle movement and intentional stretching can make a real difference. Not a cure-all, but a relief.

It gives you tools for birth. The breathing techniques we practice? You'll use them during contractions. The ability to soften and release tension even when things are uncomfortable? That's labor prep, right there. The practice of trusting your body's signals? That doesn't go away when you leave the mat.

It reminds you that you're not alone. There's something special and grounding about being in a space where pregnancy isn't sanitized or simplified. Where you can say "this is hard" and someone nods and says "yeah, it really is." It's about finding your village.

You don't have to have it all figured out

I know there's pressure to have a birth plan, a nursery ready, a perfect registry, the right stroller, yadda yadda yadda .

But here's the thing: you don't have to have any of that figured out to show up on a yoga mat.

You can come as you are—curious, exhausted, hopeful, uncertain. You can modify every single pose. You can spend half the class in child's pose if that's what your body needs. You can ask questions. You can cry if you need to (it happens more than you'd think).

Prenatal yoga isn't about performing. It's about being present with yourself during one of the most transformative times of your life. And that doesn't require perfection. It just requires showing up.

If you're thinking about trying it

Maybe you've been curious about prenatal yoga but haven't taken the leap yet. Maybe you're wondering if it's "for you" or if you'd even be good at it.

Here's what I'd say: if you're pregnant and looking for a space to breathe, to move gently, to feel a little less alone in all of this—then yes, it's for you.

You don't need experience. You don't need fancy gear. You just need to be willing to show up for yourself, even when (especially when) everything feels like a lot.

Because pregnancy is a lot. And you deserve support that meets you where you are.

Micah teaches prenatal yoga in Princeton, TX and the surrounding North Dallas area. Classes are small, judgment-free, and designed for real pregnant bodies—not Instagram highlight reels. If you're looking for a space to show up as you are, reach out at thepinkhaireddoula@gmail.com.