PodPRENATAL: Empowering Tucson Moms Through Movement, Mindfulness & Community

 

Feel strong, supported, and seen—on your journey from pregnancy to postpartum.

MAY 28TH, 2025 WRITTEN BY LEAH CARLSON

 

Surviving the summer heat in Tucson while pregnant can feel like a lot to handle—but you don’t have to do it alone. Yoga Pod Tucson’s podPRENATAL yoga classes are designed to support you through every stage of your pregnancy, birth, and postpartum journey. Whether your doctor has recommended staying active or you’re curious about the benefits of prenatal yoga, podPRENATAL offers a nurturing space where Tucson moms-to-be can move safely, connect deeply, and feel truly supported.

I was lucky enough to start taking prenatal yoga classes in Tucson at just twelve weeks pregnant, and now as I round the corner into my third trimester, I’m so grateful for this weekly reset. This is my first pregnancy, and I had no idea what to expect. As a long-time yoga and fitness instructor, staying active was important to me—but I didn’t know how to safely move in my changing body. PodPRENATAL has helped me feel physically strong and mentally centered during this transformative time.

Benefits of PRENATAL Yoga Classes

Movement is essential to feeling your best during pregnancy, but with so much advice (and so many warnings) it can be hard to know what’s safe. Prenatal yoga focuses on gentle, functional movement that supports your body and prepares you for childbirth. According to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG), regular exercise during pregnancy reduces back pain, lowers the risk of gestational diabetes and preeclampsia, and supports overall wellness.

Yoga, specifically, can:

  • Improve circulation and regulate blood pressure

  • Increase flexibility and ease hip and low back pain

  • Strengthen your connection to your breath and baby

  • Reduce stress and anxiety

Best of all, podPRENATAL helps Tucson moms connect with their growing bodies and a community of fellow expecting parents. Each week brings something new, and having a consistent class to anchor you is so grounding.

Meet Your Prenatal Yoga Instructor in Tucson

Gabriela Pintado leads PodPRENATAL at Yoga Pod Tucson. She’s a certified Prenatal Yoga Teacher, a Somatic Movement Educator, and a Postpartum Doula—and most importantly, a mom herself. Gabriela brings compassion, wisdom, and real-life experience to every class. Her goal is to support you not only physically, but emotionally and mentally throughout your pregnancy and postpartum experience.

What to Expect in a PodPRENATAL Class

  • Introductions: We start each class with a quick round of introductions—your name, how far along you are, and how you're feeling. It’s so comforting to hear others share honestly about their experiences. This moment of connection makes the class feel like a community.

  • Weekly Topics: Gabriela shares insights each week on relevant topics like birth preparation, postpartum recovery, emotional well-being, and more. It's an opportunity to learn, reflect, and ask questions in a safe space.

  • Safe, Gentle Movement: The yoga flow is tailored for all stages of pregnancy. Expect breath-connected movement, grounding postures, gentle core work, hip openers, and standing sequences designed to build strength, balance, and confidence. You’ll also explore breathwork, mudras, and mantras to help you prepare mentally for the experience of birth.

  • Deep Rest: Every PodPRENATAL class ends with extended relaxation. Picture yourself surrounded by bolsters, blankets, and a cool lavender towel during savasana—pure bliss for your body and mind.

Childcare While You Practice

Already have a little one and expecting another? We offer on-site childcare in our PlayPOD during PodPRENATAL classes. Visit the childcare page on our website or email us at hello@tucsonyogapod.com to learn more.

Bonus: Once your baby arrives, we offer free childcare every weekday morning for members so you can return to your practice with ease. Let us care for your little one while you reconnect with your body and breath postpartum.

Ready to Join PodPRENATAL?

Join us every Sunday at 3:00 PM for PodPRENATAL at Yoga Pod Tucson. Embrace breath, movement, and a supportive community while you prepare to welcome your baby. View our schedule and sign up here!

You. Belong. Here. 💙

Leah Carlson

(She/They) E-RYT@200, YACEP@

What brought you to yoga?
I initially found yoga in 2010 while healing a foot injury, though it didn't take long to find a passion for practice.

What’s your yoga background and what are you most passionate about teaching?
I completed teacher training at Yoga Oasis in 2014, and continued study at Balancing Monkey Yoga in Hilo, Hawaii. I love to craft creative and challenging sequences designed to give students an overall sense of well being. I strive to provide clear, alignment-informed instruction to emphasize strength and form.

What would your students be surprised to know about you?
Outside the studio, I love spending time with my four wonderful dogs.

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