Can we talk about eco-friendly yoga blocks for a minute? I have a confession to make: I used to think using blocks meant you weren't "good" at yoga. (I know, I know!) I never really used yoga blocks before pregnancy, mostly because I had this weird idea that being flexible was the ultimate goal and using props somehow meant I was failing.

But then something changed during my second pregnancy. While going through my pre/postnatal yoga teacher training, I discovered just how transformative blocks could be – especially for making space for my growing belly. More importantly, I learned that flexibility isn't always the goal. In fact, hypermobility without strength can lead to instability in your joints. (I talk all about this in my free mini course if you want to know more!)

Looking back at my journey through three pregnancies, I can't help but smile at my initial resistance to using blocks. By my third pregnancy, they had become such essential tools in my yoga practice that I couldn't imagine flowing without them. They weren't just props – they were partners in my practice, helping me stay connected to movement even as my body changed dramatically.

Why Use Yoga Blocks During Pregnancy?

As your body changes during pregnancy, your yoga practice needs to adapt too. Blocks aren't just helpful – they're essential tools for maintaining a strong and safe practice. Check out some good options for yoga blocks here (affiliate link). Blocks help you:

• Create space for your growing belly when forward folding or twisting
• Maintain proper alignment as your center of gravity shifts forward
• Find firm support when balance becomes challenging
• Access poses that might otherwise feel out of reach
• Build confidence in modified versions of familiar poses
• Stay connected to your practice throughout pregnancy

Why Consider Cork Blocks?

After exploring various options through my pregnancies and teaching, I've found that cork yoga blocks offer some unique environmental benefits (I love the way that Manduka puts it here!). I often find (for myself and others I've worked with) that pregnancy kind of opens our eyes to our environmental impact and that just going through pregnancy peaks a lot of moms' interest in non-toxic materials and making conscious choices for a healthier planet.

Here's why cork is fascinating from a sustainability perspective:

• Made from natural cork, harvested from the bark of cork oak trees without harming the tree
• Trees continue producing cork for over 200 years
• Harvesting actually helps cork forests thrive and supports local ecosystems
• Cork is a rapidly renewable resource 
• Biodegradable material that returns to the earth at the end of its life
• Production creates minimal waste
• Supports traditional cork farming communities

That said, foam blocks are also great options, especially if you prefer lightweight blocks. The most important thing is finding what works for YOUR body and YOUR practice.

Comparing Block Materials and Types

Let's explore the main types of blocks you'll encounter in your yoga journey.

Cork Yoga Blocks:

• Provide excellent grip that actually improves with use
• Offer firm support that doesn't compress
• Feature a stable base for confidence in poses
• Naturally antimicrobial (great for studio or home practice)
• Often include beveled edges for comfort

Foam Yoga Blocks:

• Lightweight and easy to carry
• Often made from EVA foam for durability
• Come in various colors to brighten your practice
• Typically more affordable

Wood Blocks:

• Ultra-durable for long-term use
• Provide maximum stability
• Often feature rounded edges for comfort
• Beautiful aesthetic for home practice
• Heaviest option available

How to Use Blocks in Your Pregnancy Practice

Here's my detailed guide to using blocks during pregnancy, developed from both personal experience and teaching hundreds of prenatal yoga classes:

Extended Side Angle

Place a block on any height inside your front foot. This creates space for your belly while maintaining length in your side body. As your pregnancy progresses, you might prefer a higher block height to accommodate your changing shape. Keep your back heel anchored for stability.

Triangle Pose

Position your block on the inside of your front foot, experimenting with different heights. This modification helps maintain length in your spine without compromising your lower back. Think about lifting through your top ribs as you extend.

Halfway Lift

Place blocks under your hands at any height that allows you to keep your spine long. This is especially helpful as your belly grows, giving you space to maintain proper alignment without rounding your back. Focus on lifting your chest while keeping your shoulders relaxed.

Low Lunge

Frame your front foot with blocks to bring the ground closer to you. This helps open your hips while maintaining stability. Particularly helpful in later pregnancy when balance shifts. Keep your back knee cushioned on a blanket if needed.

Puppy Pose

Rest your forehead on a block while keeping your hips above your knees. This creates a gentle heart opener while making space for your belly. Arms can extend forward or rest by your sides.

Wide-Legged Forward Fold

Use blocks under your hands to maintain length in your spine without straining. You might need to adjust the block height as your pregnancy progresses. Keep your legs active and knees soft.

Half Moon

Place a block outside your front foot for grounding. This helps maintain balance as your center of gravity changes during pregnancy. Keep your standing leg strong and engaged.

Queen's Chair

Position blocks under a bolster and relax back. This is a great pose to calm the parasympathetic nervous system, meditate, and prepare your mind for the journey of birth.

Features to Look for in Eco Friendly Yoga Blocks

When shopping for eco-friendly yoga blocks (like my favorite ones here!), consider these key features:

• Non-slip surface for secure practice
• Rounded edges for comfort
• Sustainable production methods
• High quality construction for longevity
• Comfortable grip for extended holds
• Stable base for confidence in poses

Creating Your Home Practice Space

Setting up a dedicated yoga space during pregnancy can help maintain your yoga routine. Along with your eco friendly yoga blocks, consider this yoga gear:

• A supportive yoga mat with excellent grip (I've linked my favorite yoga mats on my Amazon storefront for you here!)
• A yoga bolster for restorative poses
• A yoga wheel or foam rollers for gentle back releases
• A cushion for meditation

In my Preparing for Birth program, we explore how to use all these props effectively throughout your pregnancy. You'll learn exactly how to set up your space for both daily practice and birth preparation. And in the Mama Core Workshop, we talk about using props specifically for core and pelvic floor support – essential knowledge for every stage of pregnancy.

Caring for Your Blocks

To ensure your cork yoga blocks last through pregnancy and beyond:

1. Clean regularly with a damp cloth
2. Allow to air dry completely before storing
3. Store in a dry place away from direct sunlight
4. Avoid exposure to extreme temperatures
5. Consider using a gear wash specifically for yoga props
6. Handle with care to maintain their secure grip
7. Expect normal wear that actually improves grip over time

Supporting Your Practice

Remember, using props isn't about what you can't do – it's about supporting what you can do. In my Mama Core Workshop, we use props like blocks to maintain strength and stability throughout pregnancy. And if you're looking to create a complete prenatal practice, check out my Preparing for Birth program, where we dive deep into using props for birth preparation.

Your yoga practice during pregnancy isn't about maintaining what you could do before – it's about adapting and finding new ways to feel strong and supported in your changing body. Through my three pregnancies, I learned that the strongest practice is one that honors where you are today. Sometimes that means using blocks, sometimes it doesn't – and both are perfectly okay.