Aquanatal Classes with Midwife Emma

What Is Aquanatal?

Aquanatal is a gentle, water-based exercise class designed especially for pregnancy. Held in a warm pool, it offers a safe, supportive and relaxing way for expectant mums to stay active, ease common pregnancy aches, and prepare both body and mind for birth.

The buoyancy of the water supports your growing bump, reduces strain on joints, and allows for freer, more comfortable movement. This makes Aquanatal suitable for almost every stage of pregnancy, whether you’re newly pregnant or approaching your due date.

Each session combines gentle aerobic exercise, stretching, breathing and relaxation techniques. Movements are tailored to suit your fitness level and trimester, helping improve posture, circulation and pelvic floor awareness while promoting calm and confidence as your body changes.

Aquanatal isn’t just about physical wellbeing, it’s also a wonderful opportunity to connect with other mums-to-be, share experiences and build a sense of community in a friendly, nurturing space.

Benefits

Reduces swelling in legs and ankles
Supports joints and relieves pressure on the back and pelvis
Provides social connection with other expectant parents
Promotes relaxation and better sleep
Builds strength and endurance for labour and motherhood
Encourages bonding with your baby through mindful movement and breath

Who Can Attend?

Most pregnant women can safely enjoy Aquanatal from 12 weeks gestation, right up until birth, as long as you have your midwife or GP’s approval. Classes are suitable for all fitness levels, whether you’re new to exercise or already active. What to Expect in a Class

A welcoming introduction and time to check in with how you’re feeling
Gentle warm-up movements to ease into the water
Breathing and relaxation techniques to support labour preparation
A calming cool-down and time to connect with others afterwards

What to Bring

Comfortable Swimwear

(you can wear a sports bra under your swimsuit for extra support)

A towel and a bottle of water

A snack for after the class

Reviews

Absolutely loved the first aquanatal class, so glad I booked on I honestly didnt know what to expect, but the class was so welcoming and I felt so at ease from the start. There was no pressure to keep up with everyone else and I felt so safe and the sleep I got after it was the best sleep in a long time cant wait for next week! X

I attended Emma’s first aquanatal class last week and I’ve genuinely been so looking forward to going back again this week. I loved the weightless feeling of being in the water and the exercises and movements were so effective at activating muscles I haven’t been using during pregnancy but it is also not straining at all due to that weightless feeling!

Emma being hilarious as always had us all laughing throughout and created such a lovely relaxing atmosphere as well as feeling truly cared for throughout the whole class. I would highly recommend treating yourself to the benefits of these classes!

Classes can be booked either as

A block of 6 classes at £100
An individual class at £20

Important to know:

You do not need to swim to attend. However please let me know before the beginning of class.
Before the class you must complete the health questionnaire. Please see the exclusion criteria below!
It is important that you discuss any changes to your health or pregnancy with me to ensure your safety.
You work at your own pace. Do not push yourself beyond your limits. Remember you are carrying a baby!
Should you feel unwell, please let me know asap.
Please use the ladders to enter the pool, DO NOT jump into the pool.

You cannot participate In below case

Unfortunately, you CANNOT participate in Aquanatal if you have any of the following:

Heart disease
Restrictive Lung disease (e.g. COPD)
Incompetent cervix (cervical suture in situ/cervical cerclage)
Risk of preterm labour
Persistent second or third trimester bleeding
Placenta Previa after 26 weeks gestation
Ruptured membranes (your waters have broken)
Pre eclampsia or Pregnancy induced Hypertension (PIH)
Severe Anaemia
Obesity (BMI >40 or >25stone in weight)
Poorly controlled type 1 diabetes