This is a great prenatal yoga practice. It is equally challenging for both beginners and advanced yoga practitioners. The DVD is visually beautiful and engaging, the music is calming and Shiva Rea’s soothing voice helps the pregnant yogi sink deeper into a relaxed state.

There are three women practicing for the viewer to follow: Poppy is the furthest along, Britta is in her second trimester and Shiva is performing yoga as if she is in her first trimester. Even though Shiva is not pregnant, she has been a yoga teacher for a long time and is a mother herself, so understands pregnancy and childbirth. Every pose is modified for each trimester of pregnancy. There are three sections of poses: the warm up, standing poses and floor work. Each section is a workout in itself, or you can practice all three in a row. They work seamlessly with each other and lead you gently into a deeper state of relaxation. The practice is followed by a guided meditation in a resting pose that is guaranteed to leave you completely relaxed.

Some women who bought this DVD and practiced it found it annoying to have to fast-forward through the rather long introduction. Other than that, though, this is a perfect prenatal practice for any stage of pregnancy. Shiva Rea goes slowly and explains the benefits of each pose. She reminds you to breathe constantly, which contributes to your deepening state of relaxation. What more could you want? Well, some versions of the DVD offer an extra video, instructing partners in prenatal massage. You’ll drool watching it and if you can get your partner to do it, what a lucky girl you would be. So make sure you get one with the extra video! An essential DVD for any pregnant woman’s collection, to be passed on to pregnant friends and relatives as the need arises. Pick up a copy here.