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I've just found out that I'm pregnant and wondered if there are any poses that I shouldn't be doing in my practise (I do Hatha yoga)? I feel fine (no morning sickness) - should I be stopping my yoga practise during the first 3 months?

Most people don't practise in their first 3 months - however if you've been practising a while, and feel OK, then just go gently. All poses should be fine but make sure there is no compression on your abdomen. When you're in twist poses go in the opposite direction ie. your open side. Later on in your pregnancy doing a Vinyasa will be hard, and any bundha work will need to be redefined too.

My main advice would be to tell your teacher so that she can modify poses or suggest alternatives for you.

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Thanks for this.

Congratulations FongH33! I was really surprised to find out many contradictory information regarding yoga in the first trimester. Some authors recommend not practicing at all, whereas others say you can do almost every pose, except those strenuous on the abdomen.
I agree with Yogatea that it is a very different story if you have never done yoga before becoming pregnant or if you have been practicing regularly.
I believe that your body will be your best adviser. If you listen to what your body feels, you will know to which degree you need to modify or even stop your practice. You should feel rejuvenated and relaxed after a yoga practiced, not tired or edgy.

Reading 'Yoga Mind, Body & Spirit' by Donna Farhi, she mentions the importance of rest in response to possible 1st trimester fatigue, and "...if the active yoga practices feel too demanding, pamper yourself in... restorative poses." Like Corpse pose and variations, Seated Forward Bend, Legs Up the Wall, Reclining Bound-Angle Pose. Lots of supportive props and pampering. May be a good habit to get into if you're used to 'going hard' but if you feel good, feel good.

Also mentioned is the effect of hormones during pregnancy on increasing the elasticity of connective tissue (e.g. ligaments). So given that "...your connective tissue is offering less support at this time, you should avoid extreme stretching positions, especially those done passively without the support of your muscles." So be aware of possible reasons behind new-found flexibility and protect your joints and ligaments.

She also cautions that deep backbends and long stays in 'wide-stanced standing postures' can "...also make postnatal recovery of muscle tone considerably more challenging."

Thank you everyone for this, good suggestions. You are kind.