Butterfly IV

Butterfly IV For Prenatal Yoga

Butterfly IV is one of hundreds of exercises in the Online Pregnancy Lesson Planner.

If Butterfly I is the quiet arrival, Butterfly II adds a little flutter, and Butterfly III gives each hip its own gentle conversation, Butterfly IV adds a lovely sweep through the side body. It is like the butterfly family deciding to open a window.

Same general theme. Same soft hip work. But now there is a little more length through the ribs and waist, which can feel especially welcome in pregnancy when breathing sometimes becomes less “effortless woodland creature” and more “determined woman carrying a small planet.”

Butterfly IV works beautifully after Butterfly I, Butterfly II, and Butterfly III because it keeps the same one-sided seated setup while adding an arm lift and a soft side opening.

First the hips settle. Then they move. Then each side gets attention. Then the whole side body joins in.

Why Teach Butterfly IV in Prenatal Yoga?

Butterfly IV is a lovely prenatal pose because it combines one-sided hip opening with gentle length through the waist and ribs. During pregnancy, that can feel especially useful. The hips may need space, the side body may feel compressed, and the breath may appreciate a little extra room.

It also makes excellent sense after Butterfly I, Butterfly II, and Butterfly III.

Butterfly I helps students settle into the basic seated opening.

Butterfly II adds soft movement through both legs together.

Butterfly III brings the work into one hip at a time.

Butterfly IV then adds a gentle lift and stretch through the upper body, making the sequence feel complete without becoming complicated.

And baby? Baby gets a calm seated posture, a little more breathing space, and a mother moving in a way that feels thoughtful rather than forceful. Very civilised.

How to Teach Butterfly IV for Prenatal Yoga

Sit in a comfortable seated position with plenty of space for the belly. Extend one leg and bend the other, placing the foot high on the opposite thigh as comfortably as possible. Rest one hand on the bent knee and lift the opposite arm overhead. Keep the spine long, chest open, and gaze forward or up if comfortable. Breathe softly, then repeat on the other side.

Teaching Tips for Prenatal Butterfly IV

Prenatal Butterfly IV works best when the pose feels spacious rather than ambitious. The aim is not to wrench the arm overhead and hurl yourself sideways like a dramatic tree in a storm. The aim is to create a soft opening through the hip, waist, and ribs while keeping the breath easy.

Useful reminders:

sit on support to create more space for the belly

place the foot lower if the hip feels tight

keep the lifted arm soft, not rigid

lengthen upward before adding any side stretch

keep the torso spacious and easy to breathe in

avoid leaning so far that the pose turns into a struggle

Think less “advanced yogi making shapes” and more “wise pregnant woman creating a bit more room for herself.”

10 Beginner Modifications For Prenatal Butterfly IV

Beginner 1: Place the foot lower on the opposite leg and keep the lifted arm lower.

Beginner 2: Sit on a folded blanket or cushion to help the pelvis tip forward.

Beginner 3: Keep the lifted hand on the hip instead of raising the arm fully.

Beginner 4: Bend the extended leg slightly if sitting tall feels easier.

Beginner 5: Keep the gaze forward instead of looking up.

Beginner 6: Place one hand behind the body for extra support before lifting the arm.

Beginner 7: Practise the pose without adding any side stretch.

Beginner 8: Sit with the back lightly near a wall for reassurance.

Beginner 9: Hold the shape for just one or two soft breaths.

Beginner 10: Pause between sides and shake out the legs gently.

10 Intermediate Modifications Prenatal Butterfly IV

Intermediate 1: Rest one hand on the knee and reach the other arm overhead with a tall spine.

Intermediate 2: Sit on support and lengthen upward before lifting the arm.

Intermediate 3: Keep the extended leg long but relaxed through the foot.

Intermediate 4: Hold the pose for three to five slow breaths on each side.

Intermediate 5: Add a gentle lift through the chest as the arm reaches up.

Intermediate 6: Keep the bent knee soft and supported by the hand.

Intermediate 7: Breathe into the side ribs as the arm lifts.

Intermediate 8: Stay upright and focus more on length than stretch.

Intermediate 9: Repeat the pose twice on each side with calm breathing.

Intermediate 10: Let the lifted arm float up and down once or twice with the breath.

10 Advanced Modifications Prenatal Butterfly IV

Advanced 1: Lift the arm fully and add a gentle side stretch while keeping plenty of space for the belly.

Advanced 2: Place the foot a little higher on the opposite leg if the hip feels comfortable.

Advanced 3: Stay in the pose for five to eight steady breaths.

Advanced 4: Lengthen more through the side waist before leaning slightly.

Advanced 5: Keep the torso open rather than collapsing forward.

Advanced 6: Reach actively through the lifted fingertips without hardening the shoulder.

Advanced 7: Add a tiny upward gaze if the neck feels comfortable.

Advanced 8: Alternate between upright lengthening and a gentle side stretch.

Advanced 9: Stay a little longer on the tighter side without forcing.

Advanced 10: Practise with less hand pressure on the knee if the shape feels steady and spacious.

A Few Lovely Things to Say in Class

Sometimes a pose lands better when it is wrapped in kinder words.

You might say:

“Make space for the baby and lengthen through the side body.”

“Lift first, then soften into the shape.”

“Let the breath spread through the ribs like light through a curtain.”

“Keep the stretch gentle and the face soft.”

“One side may feel roomier than the other, and that is perfectly normal.”

That last one is worth remembering. Most babies are not overly concerned with symmetrical side bends. They are much more likely to appreciate a mother who is breathing calmly, moving gently, and not having an argument with her own ribcage.

Conclusion: A Little More Room To Breathe

Butterfly IV for prenatal yoga is gentle, spacious, and a lovely continuation of Butterfly I, II, and III. It keeps the familiar one-sided hip opening, then adds a soft lift through the side body that can feel especially welcome as pregnancy changes the breath and posture.

First the hips settle. Then they move. Then each side gets its turn. Then the ribs and waist are invited into the conversation. It is a very sensible little progression.

The beauty of prenatal yoga is that even a small stretch can feel deeply supportive when the body is already doing so much.

Butterfly IV can be smaller, softer, and more supported, and still bring meaningful relief.

For access to hundreds more pregnancy-safe exercises, teaching ideas, and class-planning resources, explore the Online Pregnancy Lesson Planner.